1994 vs 1995 Lamborghini Diablo

Draft: this page has not had its final check yet, so check the sources behind anything you rely on.

vs

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

1994

Nothing that 1995 lacks.

1995

Nothing that 1994 lacks.

Both years

  • Cam chain tensioners 1990–2000

    What to check: Ask whether the original tensioners were replaced with the later manually adjusted ones, and listen for a rattle off the throttle.

    Goodwood says the early 5.7's hydraulic tensioners can in time let the chain snap, and that the later manual ones are often fitted instead. Seven owners in three FerrariChat threads raise the tensioners too.

    Goodwood Classic Solutions, owners' reports (unofficial)

  • Worn clutch All years

    What to check: In a high gear, accelerate from low revs and feel for slip, and make sure it shifts cleanly when warm. Ask when the clutch was last done.

    Six owners in four FerrariChat threads call the clutch the main worry, and five say a clutch job means taking the engine out.

    Owners' reports (unofficial)

  • Bent clutch slave rod All years

    What to check: Ask whether the rod between the clutch slave cylinder and the pivot was replaced.

    Two owners in two FerrariChat threads say this rod can bend or break and leave the car stranded.

    Owners' reports (unofficial)

  • Weak brakes on earlier cars 1990–1998

    What to check: Brake hard from speed on the test drive, and ask whether the brakes were upgraded.

    Eight owners in four FerrariChat threads call the early brakes too small, and some fitted upgrades. Bigger discs and ABS came in 1999.

    A published reference, owners' reports (unofficial)

  • Rust in the steel spaceframe All years One source so far

    What to check: Have the frame looked over from underneath for corrosion.

    Goodwood says the aluminium and composite panels do not rust, but the steel frame beneath them can.

    Goodwood Classic Solutions

  • Failing catalytic converters All years

    What to check: Ask whether the catalytic converters were replaced or checked, and smell for overheating after the drive.

    Three owners in two FerrariChat threads warn that the early cars' catalytic converters can fail badly, and two raise the chance of a fire.

    Owners' reports (unofficial)

Rare catches

1994

Nothing that 1995 lacks.

1995

  • Rare SE30 Jota kit Package

    28 kits made, about 15 cars converted Goodwood Classic Solutions, a published reference

    28 built A published reference

What changed between

After 1994, up to and including 1995.

  1. 1995The rear-drive SV arrives, priced just below the base car, the VT Roadster arrives in December, and the SE30 Jota kit is offered. Goodwood Classic Solutions, a published reference

What it came with

1994

Nothing that 1995 lacks.

1995

Body styles
Roadster (1995–2000) Goodwood Classic Solutions, a published reference
Trims
Diablo SV (1995–1999) Goodwood Classic Solutions, a published reference, Diablo VT Roadster (1995–2000) Goodwood Classic Solutions, a published reference
Packages
SE30 Jota kit (1995) A published reference

Both years

Engines
5.7L V12 (1990–2000) Automobili, a published reference
Transmissions
5-speed manual A published reference
Drivetrains
Rear-wheel drive Automobili, a published reference, All-wheel drive (1993–2001) Automobili, a published reference
Body styles
Coupe A published reference
Trims
Diablo (1990–1998) A published reference, Diablo VT (1993–2000) Automobili, a published reference

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

1994

Nothing that 1995 lacks.

1995

Nothing that 1994 lacks.

Both years

  • Avoid: Pre-Audi build quality 1990–1998 Less sought after

    Goodwood warns that the cars from before Audi's takeover come with the build quality of that time, and two owners in two FerrariChat threads say the finish is not the Diablo's strong point. Goodwood Classic Solutions, owners' reports (unofficial)