Ahhh you took the words right out of my mouth. I couldn't agree more.

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Lambotsavy
Jalpa #ELA12100

Thanks. I only have experience driving my 308GT4, and it's acceleration at the low end was consistent with reviews. IE it was poor, especially by today's standards. Of course, everything else about the car's performance was terrific. I have no doubt a Jalpa accelerates better than a 308; it couldn't do any worse. Don't get me wrong, acceleration is not the only thing I look for in a car... I certainly wish I had owned a 246 before the market went above my means.... I'm now 55, and took early retirement in Dec.

Reviews for the Jalpa generally show 0-60 times around 7sec, perhaps slightly better. Most reviews show 328s under 6 sec to 60, or about a second better than the Jalpa. Again, I don't have experience driving either, but I think I'd still be somewhat disappointed with Jalpa lower-end performance, since test numbers seem to show it's not a lot better than a 308 at the lower end.

Of course, I don't plan to street race or drag the car, but I do want to have a feeling of some guts behind me off the line, and at around-town and freeway speeds. I'm sure everything else about Jalpas is great and lots of fun, and can understand why lots of people want, own, and enjoy them. And I'm not saying I will never own one. But I want to get something with more push and guts for an on-the-road exotic... as long as I can afford it. I've actually never owned anything that had a 6sec or better 0-60 time.... even my 2 cam 275GTB didn't accelerate that good.

Thanks again for all the advice and input.

Rick

My former Jalpa ran better than a 328 and was comparable to the 348 we had in the group, my jalpa was then stock except the Ansa Sport exhaust...
I give a shlt on those 0-60 times since no normal person is doing that pain to his car.

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RaymondQV
Countach QV Ex-Mimran #GLA12997, Urraco P300 #20530, Jalpa #FLA12203 sold in May 2006
www.countach.ch
www.jalpa.ch

When Frank Sinatra got his Miura S in 1970, he said: “If you wanna be someone, buy Ferrari - If you are someone, you own a Lamborghini”.

For me, the biggest reason I bought the Jalpa was its "Exclusiveness". With only 410 produced you aren't going to see them at every intersection or car show.

Perfect example... Every year at our Italian Concours, I bet we have 10-12 Ferrari 308's and 328's show up. How many Jalpa's come? One! Mine!

I love the car! The only reason I'll sell it, is when I find a Quattrovalve Countach.

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Mike
Jalpa #12071

Aerodynamics are for people who can't build engines -- Enzo Ferrari

I agree nobody wants to abuse their car or clutch.... I won't do that either. But since I have never driven a Jalpa or 328, 0-60 times shown in reviews are one comparison of lower end performance. A real-world situation (at least in the states), is driving up an elevated freeway ramp from a rolling stop. Very disappointing to be at near full-song in a 308, and seeing US sedans not having much trouble keeping up with you in your rear view mirror. I think I had more G-forces from gravity on the ramp than the acceleration. So I want better low-end performance, and 0-60 times give at least one comparison of what lower end performance is for cars. That's why they are provided.
Rick

Rick,
I think you should come see this car and see what you think.

That would never happen in a good Jalpa. They offer a driving dynamic that I have not experienced in any other car and I have driven tons of exotic cars.
They are very special, and power is good enough to not have you apologising to your friends on drives. The gearing on the Jalpa is also far more condusive to good acceleration that your old 308. No comparison.

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Had Enzo been a gentleman...The greatest cars on the planet would have never existed.

Jalpa FLA12194
Countach ELA12667

The Jalpa will suprise you, it did me. I drove mine back from a car meet with a 930 and a 355. I am not going to say the Jalpa is anyway as fast, but I stayed with them, and had no problem. Neither car left me at a stop light or at 100 mph. I didn't thrash my car, and they didn't either. In one magazine I have around here, the Jalpa did 0-60 in 6 seconds, the tester felt he could get it in the 5's if he thrashed it. The worst time I have seen was 7.3. If your stuck on the numbers, get a Viper.

Jason - I responded to your offer to come up and see your car offline, via and Ebay email.

I think in my previous postings I indicated I'm not stuck on numbers, and that 0-60 times are the only thing I could go on, before seeing owners' responses here, to compare lower end performance for cars I have not had the opportunity to drive.

Rick

The torque curve of an engine is really mostly a function of its displacement. With good cams and good breathing the torque curve can be extended upwards giving good power. The Jalpa engine responds pretty much like most 3.5 L engines on take-off, but can hold toe torque to higher rpms than most. Add to that low gearing and reasonable weight (~3200 lbs) and it is fairly quick at stoplights. The funny thing is that you rarely need it, since the other motorists are busy staring at your car and giving it thumbs up.
If you absolutely need more power, it has a 9:1 compression ratio, which is ideal for modern turbo-charging.

Where it really shines is on twisty roads (and the occasional racetrack), since it is very predictable and really drives like a go-cart.

Laust

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Jalpa TT #ELA12161
Espada #8356