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The term ‘sports car’ gets thrown around when referring to any sleek car with magnificent speed. People are correct most of the time, but there are a few instances where what you believe to be a sports car is really just another fast vehicle. This begs the question, What is a sports car and which vehicles have earned that title? For those who want to hire a vehicle, this blog post aims to address the distinctive characteristics and different types of sports cars.
A sports car is a common name for a broad spectrum of fast, sleek automobiles that deliver dynamic performance and top speed. These vehicles usually prioritise handling, acceleration, speed and driving thrill, while usually a bit smaller. There is no specific minimum speed or performance requirement for a vehicle to qualify as a sports car, hence the broad range and blurred lines of distinguishing what is and what isn’t a sports car.
Characteristics Of Sports Cars
A sports car, like all other types of vehicles, has a few distinguishing features. These characteristics may slightly vary across vehicles, depending on their manufacturers and trim levels.
Design
Sports cars tend to stand out with sleek, stylish designs. Their designs also consider aerodynamics to reduce drag and improve performance. Aggressive styling is also a major element in these vehicles, as manufacturers aim to make them flashy and attractive. On the downside, these cars tend to have reduced visibility due to their low seats and sloping rooflines, but this often enhances the sense of speed you get when driving.
Performance
Another standout feature you can expect from a sports car is performance. They come with powerful engines, allowing them to reach high speeds in only a few seconds. Despite their impressive acceleration, sports cars are designed to keep you in control with precise handling and responsive steering. This makes it easy for you to carry out high-speed cornering and other manoeuvres.
Tip: If you have a regular car and want to catch a glimpse of the exciting experience a sports car provides, you can activate sports mode.
Speed
It’s really not a sports car if it’s not fast. High speed remains the most defining feature of a sports car. These fast cars are capable of reaching and exceeding 150 mph (241 kph). Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) is another important metric that defines a sports car. The speed of these cars is due to their lightweight construction and powerful engines.
Advanced Features
Since sports cars are generally luxury vehicles, they tend to feature advanced technology to enhance comfort, performance and safety. Features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance are often present to make driving easier. You’ll also find a range of comfort features, such as premium leather upholstery and infotainment systems.
Price
Sports cars often attract hefty price tags due to the cost of production as well as the luxury and exclusivity associated with them. The exact cost of the car will depend on factors such as brand prestige and features.
Entry-level models like the Ford Mustang, Porsche 718 Cayman and Mazda MX-5 start at around £27,000 to £50,000. On the other hand, high-end models like the Ferrari 488, Porsche 911 and Bentley Continental GT cost hundreds of thousands.
Driving Experience
Nothing beats the experience of driving true sports cars. One of the things that makes the sports car an attractive vehicle is its exhilarating driving experience. From the roar of the engine to the tactile feedback from the steering wheel and pedals, driving these automobiles engages all your senses, providing great fun on the road.
Types Of Sports Cars
As we have already established, ‘sports car’ is not a car body style on its own, but a general term that describes premium sporting cars. Many cars with the following designs can be considered sports cars, however, it doesn’t come down just to them.
Coupe
Coupes are two-door cars with sleek rooflines that slope downward to the rear of the car. This body style emphasises sportiness and performance with its low profile and aggressive stance. America’s best-selling sports car, the Ford Mustang, is a great example of a coupe sports car. Other vehicles in this category include the BMW 4 Series, Porsche Cayenne and Chevrolet Camaro. You may also occasionally find sedan sports cars with four doors.
Learn more about the coupe body style in our comprehensive guide.
Roadsters & Convertibles
Roadsters and convertibles are open-top sports cars with retractable roofs. Unlike a coupe sports car, you can lower the roof of a car with a convertible body style to enjoy open-air driving. However, they share a similar aerodynamic design with an emphasis on performance. The Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and Porsche 718 Boxster are great examples of roasters/convertibles.
Hot Hatch
Hot hatches are performance-oriented hatchbacks. These cars come with a more sporty styling than regular hatchbacks while remaining practical. Although not all hot hatchbacks are sports cars, certain vehicles meet the speed requirements of the sports car category. Vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Honda Civic Type R come to mind when you think of sports cars with a hot hatch design.
Sports Car Vs Supercar Vs Hypercar
Sports cars do not stand alone in the realm of fast vehicles. If you think the characteristics of a sports car are impressive, you should compare them with supercars and hypercars. While a sports car delivers exhilarating handling and precision, supercars take things up a notch with faster acceleration and higher top speeds.
Generally, a supercar is characterised as one that is capable of often surpassing 200 mph (322 kph) at top speed and accelerating to 60 mph (97 kph) from a stop in as little as three seconds. These automobiles often also have iconic designs with scissors or dihedral doors and futuristic aesthetics.
Click on the link to learn more about what a supercar is.
Now, what is a hypercar? The difference between a supercar and a hypercar also lies in their level of performance. Hypercars are even more impressive than supercars with more powerful engines. These vehicles are characterised by their ability to go from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds and hit top speeds ranging from 215 to 270 mph (346 to 435 kph). These cars are also more expensive and rarer than supercars.
History And Evolution Of Sports Cars
Sports cars have been around since the early 1900s and these vehicles have evolved significantly in that time. But one thing that has remained constant is these automobiles’ prioritisation of speed, power and style. Early sports cars were modified versions of regular cars. These vehicles went on sale as lightweight cars with minimal bodywork and powerful engines.
Originally designed for track racing, sports cars quickly became popular among wealthy car enthusiasts due to their stylish appearance and thrilling driving experience. The Bugatti Type 35 was one of the first sports cars sold. Introduced in 1924, this vehicle had a 2.0-litre engine and a top speed of around 100 mph (160 kph).
Sports cars were mostly popular across Europe and the United States before their use spread to other parts of the world.
The 1950s and 1960s were years of major evolution among sports cars. During this period, sports cars became very powerful and stylish. The Porsche 356 and Jaguar XK120 are among the most iconic vehicles of this era.
Over the 1970s and 80s, vehicle makers began to incorporate advanced technology into sports cars, making them even more sophisticated. The 1990s further ushered in a range of modern features, such as advanced aerodynamics and electronic stability control. Since the turn of the century, these cars have evolved at an even more rapid pace, with the introduction of hybrid or electric powertrains.
If you fancy the capability of sports cars, you’ll also be interested in muscle cars. Go here to learn about these powerful vehicles.
Who Should Get a Sports Car?
Anyone who has a genuine passion for driving should get a sports car. Whether you’re a young man, woman, or even a retiree, if you appreciate performance and handling in a vehicle, you’ll be impressed with a sports car. However, it’s important to make sure that you can afford the costs associated with owning one of these vehicles; think maintenance, insurance and fuel.
Contact SDVH for luxury car hire deals and enjoy a peak driving experience anywhere in the UK. Our fleet also features a range of budget-friendly vehicles that cater to everyday needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Defines A Sports Car?
Performance, speed and handling define a sports car. These three factors determine whether an automobile is worthy of being called a sports car. In addition, sports cars tend to have lightweight construction and an aerodynamic design, which makes them suited for spirited driving. You can choose from a range of designs across different price ranges.
Is A Sports Car A Luxury Vehicle?
A sports car is usually a luxury vehicle but not all sports cars are luxury cars. Generally, many sports cars combine performance with a range of high-end features and amenities. However, there are a few sporty vehicles that offer a thrilling driving experience while remaining affordable and without the lavish extras of luxury cars.
Are Sports Cars Used For Racing?
Yes, sports cars are used for racing. In fact, many sports cars have a rich racing heritage and the first set of vehicles were designed for track racing. These days, the sports prototype, also known as the Le Mans car, and grand tourer are the two major types of sports cars used for racing. The sports prototype is purpose-built and not street-legal but the grand tourer is street-legal and serves as a great long-distance car.
Do Traditional Sports Cars Perform Better Than Electric Models?
Yes, traditional sports cars perform better than electric models. It’s worth noting that many electric sports cars are gaining ground in terms of performance, with quick acceleration and responsive handling. However, when it comes to top speed and track performance, a traditional sports car will likely still have the edge due to its lighter weight.
Are There Affordable Sports Cars?
Yes, there are affordable sports cars. These cars typically offer a balance of performance, style and affordability. Some examples include the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Subaru BRZ, and Toyota GR86. These cars allow you to enjoy a thrilling driving experience without breaking the bank. However, they may be lacking in some luxury features that you’d find in a high-end sports car.
Conclusion
So, what is a sports car? This is simply more than a fast, sporting car. Sports cars embody the perfect blend of performance, agility and style, providing you with an exhilarating driving experience. So whether you’re looking to make a huge impression at an event or enjoy a scenic drive across the motorway, you can’t go wrong with hiring one of these vehicles.
