1998 vs 1999 Lamborghini Diablo
Draft: this page has not had its final check yet, so check the sources behind anything you rely on.
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.
1998
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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)
1999
Nothing that 1998 lacks.
Both years
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
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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
1998
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Rare
Monterey Edition Package
Sold only in the US A published reference
20 built for the US A published reference
1999
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Rare
Alpine Edition Package
Sold only in the US A published reference
12 built for the US A published reference
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Rare
Momo Edition Package
Sold only in the US A published reference
12 built for the US A published reference
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Good find
Diablo GT Trim
83 built A published reference
83 built A published reference
Why it is a good find: Six owners in a FerrariChat buyer's thread rank the limited versions such as the GT above the regular cars, and Goodwood counts the GT among the Diablo's prized rarities. Goodwood Classic Solutions, owners' reports (unofficial)
Recalls
1998
- 98V162000 1997–1998
The rubber windscreen header protector, which the owner fits when driving with the top off, was left out. NHTSA
1999
Nothing that 1998 lacks.
What changed between
After 1998, up to and including 1999.
- 1999A facelift under Audi: fixed headlamps from the Nissan 300ZX replace the pop-ups, a new wave-shaped dashboard arrives, ABS is fitted, and the base car is dropped. The 6.0L GT goes on sale. Automobili, Goodwood Classic Solutions, a published reference
What it came with
1998
1999
Both years
What owners and buyers say
Reputation: what owners and the press report
1998
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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)
1999
Nothing that 1998 lacks.