During the 1990s, Porsche was plagued by many financial troubles. Changes in safety and emission regulations left Porsche with major problems, and it was said that the company was very close to being taken over. Luckily, they weren’t, and the birth of the Porsche 996 occurred in 1997, completely converting their problems into successes.
Although a bit late to the party, and clouded with controversy, the Porsche 996 GT2 was a unique monster of a car. Fast-forward 10 years, and born in 2007 was the Lamborghini Reventon, a car that took a similar path to that of the Porsche 996 GT2 but with a much sharper and futuristic face. This unreal Lambo was so sought after that most models were sold out before the car was even revealed to the world.
Before the car was showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 10th September 2007, it was previewed in the form of a 1/4 model and a video trailer which left many $100,000 deposits placed on the Reventon before the full-sized car was shown! It was beautiful, fierce, and unlike any Lamborghini ever built until then. We compare these two outrageous supercars of the early 2000s and see where they stand in this face-off.
Lamborghini Reventon Could Reach 221 Mph
The Lamborghini Reventon housed a 6.5-liter 60-degree aluminum V12 engine which pumped out an insane 641 hp and 487 lb-ft. These figures partnered with a 6-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive meant the Reventon could go from 0-60 mph in only 3.2 seconds and had a top speed of 221 mph, which for a 15-year-old car is insane! In no way disregarding the sheer excellence of the Reventon, the only downfall was the slow E-gear transmission.
Although this transmission worked well in the Gallardo, in the Reventon it was a huge root of problems, the gear shifting seemed reluctant and way too slow. The throttle response was unsystematic and disorganized, and maneuvers on high gradients caused many problems unless the car was placed into the highest sports mode possible. Despite its poor transmission abilities, its superb performance statistics and impressive new carbon-ceramic brakes certainly made up for it.
Lamborghini Reventon: A Fighter Jet On Wheels
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Carbon fiber covered the exterior with all 20 Reventon units being embedded with the same colored exterior. Some designing traits such as the headlights in which the seven LEDs on each headlight remained lit when the ignition was switched on came from Lamborghini’s parent company Audi. Just like the interior of the Reventon which was themed like a cockpit of a jet plane, the exterior was also said to be designed and inspired by high-speed planes.
This design was so popular that it later formed the foundation for the Lamborghini Aventador. As mentioned before the interior of the Lamborghini Reventon looked more like a fighter jet than a car! It featured extremely elegant handcrafted leather throughout while digital switches and instruments were featured all around, this combination made you believe you were perched in a futuristic jet plane!
Porsche 996 GT2: A Clever Racecar For The Road
With up to 476 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-6 engine, the Porsche 996 GT2 could do 0-62 mph in just 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 196 mph! GT2’s cabin was trimmed in carbon fiber to give it a racing feel. The interior of the car was designed to look like a race car with wing-like seats trimmed in leather.
Rather than rear seats, there were deep, carpeted wells, which some may find strange, but it was quite an intelligent move by Porsche since many sports cars do not need back seats, and if they feature rear sets they can’t even support a child’s needs, this smart change freed up space and reduced weight at the same time.
Porsche 996 GT2 Was A Certified Widowmaker
The 996 GT2 was arguably the most controversial Porsche 911 of the 996 generation. 911s in recent years have been fast, scary, focused, and expensive but the 996 GT2 divided the opinions like none other. The experience was exciting, to say the least. Previously, the 993 generation 911 GT2 was available, and it was equally frightening, but the 996 series was entirely different.
Compared to its predecessor, the new generation seemed more civilized and calmer, but looks can be deceiving. In addition to an upgraded 911 turbo engine and rear-wheel drive, the model was lighter and more powerful, so it was nicknamed “The Widowmaker”. As a result, the GT2 was well suited to its purpose, thanks to its ability to maneuver around a racetrack at incredible speeds.
Lamborghini Reventon Vs Porsche 996 GT2: It’s Wolf Vs Wolf Here
While the Porsche 996 GT2 was a controversial car, it was a highly impressive motor with extreme power and high speeds at its disposal, not to mention its sheer beauty! Despite the Porsches impressive statistics and great looks, the Lamborghini was out of this world.
Beautiful would be an understatement for this Lamborghini. The Reventon was so spectacular that it cannot be described in words! Both these cars were hooligans. While the Lambo looks like one, Porsche managed to hide it well. But your pupils would dilate similarly for both of these mad machines!
Sources: Media.lamborghini.com, Newsroom.porsche.com