A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.8
Comfort & Interior
3.2
Running Costs
2.8
Practicality
2.5
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
The Lamborghini Diablo stands as one of the most iconic supercars ever created, representing the pinnacle of Italian automotive passion and engineering excellence. This legendary V12 beast dominated the supercar scene throughout the 1990s and early 2000s with its dramatic wedge shaped design and earth shattering performance. The Diablo delivers an absolutely visceral driving experience that few cars can match, combining a naturally aspirated 5.7 litre V12 engine with raw mechanical feedback that modern supercars often lack. Whether you’re looking at the standard coupe, the spectacular Roadster, or the track focused SV variants, the Diablo offers something truly special for serious enthusiasts. This is a car that demands respect and rewards skilled drivers with an unfiltered connection to the road. While rivals like the Ferrari 355 offered more refinement, the Diablo chose drama and emotion over comfort. Finding quality examples is becoming increasingly challenging as values continue to rise, making careful selection essential. For those seeking the ultimate analog supercar experience with timeless Italian style, the Diablo remains an uncompromising choice that delivers pure automotive theatre.
What's the Lamborghini Diablo Like to Drive?
The Lamborghini Diablo is all about that magnificent 5.7-litre V12 engine that produces between 485 and 550 horsepower depending on the variant. The standard Diablo manages 0-60 mph in around 4.5 seconds, while later VT models with all-wheel drive can shave precious tenths off that time. What the numbers don’t convey is the incredible sound and feel of that naturally aspirated engine as it builds to its 7,000 rpm redline. This is raw, unfiltered supercar performance that makes every journey feel like a special occasion.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
5.7L V12 naturally aspirated
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Power Output
485 - 550 bhp
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0-60 mph
4.5 - 4.1 seconds
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MPG Combined
8-12 mpg
- Boot Space
- Minimal
- Safety Rating
Inside the Lamborghini Diablo: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Diablo and you enter a world that prioritises function over luxury. The interior is distinctly 1990s, with a mix of leather, alcantara, and carbon fibre creating an appropriately dramatic atmosphere. The seats are supportive and hold you in place during spirited driving, though they’re not particularly comfortable for long journeys. Visibility is challenging, as you’d expect from such a low, wedge-shaped car, and the small windows add to the cocoon-like feeling.
A visceral, uncompromising experience. The Diablo wasn’t refined, but its raw power and aggressive styling made it a landmark supercar, defining a decade of Italian performance.
Is the Lamborghini Diablo Expensive to Run?
Owning a Diablo means embracing premium running costs that reflect its exotic status. Fuel economy ranges from 8-12 mpg in real-world driving, meaning regular visits to the petrol station are inevitable. Insurance costs are substantial, typically falling into the highest groups due to the car’s value and performance potential. Specialist insurance is often required, and many insurers will want to see evidence of secure storage and limited annual mileage.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Lamborghini Diablo
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Ferrari F355
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Porsche 911 Turbo
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| Starting Price | £180,000 | £120,000 | £90,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 5.7L V12 | 3.5L V8 | 3.6L Flat-6 Turbo |
| Power | 485 bhp | 375 bhp | 408 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 4.5 seconds | 4.7 seconds | 4.0 seconds |
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Running Costs
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Practicality
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Scissor doors, V12 drama, Iconic design | Ferrari heritage, Beautiful sound, Precise handling | Daily usability, Turbo power, German engineering |
Lamborghini Diablo Practicality & Boot Space
The Diablo makes no pretence about being a practical everyday car. Boot space is minimal, essentially limited to a small area behind the engine that might accommodate a weekend bag if you’re lucky. The cabin storage consists of small door pockets and a glovebox, making even short trips require careful packing. Getting in and out requires a degree of flexibility, and the low ride height means speed bumps and steep driveways become major obstacles.
Owning a Diablo is like having a wild animal in your garage. It’s temperamental, demanding, and occasionally frustrating, but when everything comes together on the right road, nothing else comes close. The sound alone is worth the price of admission.
The Lamborghini Diablo represents supercar ownership in its purest form. It combines breathtaking performance with unmistakable Italian drama in a package that remains timelessly striking more than two decades after production ended. While it demands commitment, expertise, and deep pockets, it rewards with an ownership experience that few modern cars can replicate.