Did you know that driving a sports car makes you happy? Recent studies have shown that driving a high performance sports car ranks high on the list of happy activities that humans like.
Sports cars are engineered to deliver enhanced performance and handling, combined with unequaled driving dynamics, but what defines a sports car? If your car reaches speeds of more than 150mph, has acceleration that launches you from 0-60mph in less than 6 seconds, and a pretty steep price tag starting above $37, 000, chances are you are a sports car driver.
Historians cannot seem to agree on when the first ‘real’ automobile was conceived and produced. Whether you agree with the 1885 Karl Benz supporters, or with the 1873 group of Frenchmen, does not really matter as automobiles have since then evolved to a completely new level.
When was the first sports car invented? As with the history of the automobile, there seems to be controversy as to when the first sports car was actually built. In 1901, Maybach and Daimler built a 35 hp car that resembled a latter day horse carriage, while in 1954, Hudson unsurprisingly had the Italia, a sportster with bucket seats and a hand-built body.
But what is classified as a sports car? Sports car are vehicles powered by an engine or powertrain (combustion, electric or hybrid engines are available) that deliver driving dynamics superior to an ordinary sedan, crossover or SUV. All roadworthy sports cars are not the same though, and can be subdivided into these categories:
- Grand tourers
- Coupes
- Hot hatches
- Sport compacts
- Muscle cars
- Supercars
- Sports sedans
These categories are measured by price, exclusivity, performance and manufacturing materials.
What is a Sports Car?
Ask four people to give you a definition of a sports car, and you will likely get four different answers. So, how do we define a sports car? To start with, sports cars are meant for speed and fun, not carrying passengers. Thus true sports cars are normally two seaters with above average acceleration, handling, top speed and driving excitement.
Europeans built the first sports type vehicles at the start of the 1900s. Today these high-speed vehicles are produced by top manufacturers across the globe, and are available in a host of different configurations and body styles.
The word sports conjures up images of fun and energetic playfulness, the same emotions and feelings that you get when driving a sports car. Some people advocate that car types should be defined by their intentions, yet this does not clear up the definition of what a sports car is. Car producers design and produce cars that serve a purpose, is commercially viable, and stays notably useful.
What is a modern sports car then? To close the hood on the subject, if a motor vehicle is designed and built with superior performance and/or similar capabilities to racing cars, they qualify as sports cars.
What percentage of cars sold are sports cars? In 2019 sports cars made up 1.6% of the American auto market, selling less than 270, 000 units. Only one third of sports car sales were not American muscle cars (Mustang, Comaro, and Challenger).
What are the Top Sports Car Brands?
In 2021 there was a 9% decline in the sales of sports cars, primarily due to the SUV sales boom over the last few years. Only 71, 000 sports cars were sold, less than 1% of all US vehicle sales for the year. With that said, there are still a variety of great sports cars for sale.
In this section we look at what is a good, cheap sports car and what brands are doing well in the market. We can compare what is a muscle car vs sports car price and which is sold more often. Below is our list of top sports car brands currently:
2022 Toyota GR Supra — This Toyota GR Supra drives like a blast. Luxury abounds inside the comfortable and posh interior, filled with user-friendly features. For the readers who would like to know what is a good first sports car, this might just be it. This sports car has excellent features like:
- Balanced drive and handling
- Punchy acceleration
- Intuitive technical features
- Comfortable luxury interior
2022 BMW Z4 — The 2022 BMW Z4 has an enticing cabin and it drives well, but there are other contenders on the market that offers a more exhilarating driving experience. Features include:
- Powerful optional engine
- Plush interior design
- User-friendly infotainment system
2022 Audi TT — The 2022 TT has a cool interior and is a fun drive. Features include:
- It is a fun ride
- Agile handling
- Voguish, first-rate cabin
2022 Lexus LC — The Lexus LC delivers lively acceleration, balanced handling characteristics, and a high-class interior. It is a bit cramped and the tech can be better. Superb features including:
- Smooth and powerful acceleration
- Sensible control and handling
- Refined interior quality
- Extremely fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain
2022 Audi R8 — The 2022 R8 is among the top of the luxury sports car rankings. Everything works to offer the driver breathtaking performance from inside a top of the line interior and state-of-the-art technology.
- Incredible power
- Spirited handling and an even ride
- Roomy seating
- User-friendly technology
2022 Chevrolet Corvette — This is a value for money luxury sports car that has everything sports car enthusiasts want. The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette claims the top spot in the luxury sports car class, thanks to its value proposition, lightning-quick acceleration, precise handling, comfortable and well-trimmed interior, and intuitive tech features.
- Sharp handling
- Blistering acceleration
- Comfy, posh interior
- Useful cargo space
2022 Porsche Cayman — The Cayman is everything that a luxury sports car should be. It has a posh factor yet it is fast and the handling very agile. It is a little short on standard features compared to competitors:
- Lively engine
- Outstanding handling
- Comfortable seats with good support
- Good cargo capacity
2022 Ford Mustang — Ford’s contribution to the sports car market remains near the top of the list. Boasting a well-finished cabin and user friendly technology, it is fast and more than fun to drive: Features include:
- Powerful drive train
- Pleasant handling
- Comfortable front seats
- Large trunk (for a sports car)
Why Should I Buy a Sports Car?
Americans love cars, and more specifically we love fast cars, like sports car. Although plenty of people dream of driving a sports car, very few (around 1% of the market) actually buy one. But what is the attraction and is it worth it to buy a sports car?
- Curb appeal and style - a sports car looks fast, even when it is parked. There is a wide range of colors, styles and different price ranges to pick from in today’s market.
- Remember the resale value - New cars start depreciating the moment they leave the sales floor, but fortunately sports cars tend to keep value for longer than the average sedan. Their unique design and the fact that there are less sports cars produced, translates to better value retention.
- Performance - If speed and performance takes precedence over utility, sports cars will cross the finish line first every time.
What is the Best Sportscar for the Price?
One of the first things people ask before they buy a sports car is, “Are sports cars worth it?” A sports car is specifically designed to drive well and have better speed, handling, and performance than even the best SUV or sedan on the market.
Although appearance isn’t everything, it is one of the biggest drawcards as to why people buy a sports car. Another leading reason why car buyers look at sports cars as their car of choice is because they are just simply superior in design and quality than standard vehicles on the road.
We touched on depreciation (Read Car Depreciation for Dummies) earlier, and it is a fact that an ordinary sedan or SUV can lose up to 50% of its original value after three years. The trend for sports cars shows that their rate of depreciation is much slower.
Before you buy a sports car, research what is considered a sports car to insurance companies? Insurance companies have different rates and criteria, thus it would make sense to decide on a model and do research around it, and similar sports cars.
What is the point of having a sports car? It can be a solid investment and if you shop around and search the internet. Take your time and you can find a certified pre-owned sports car with a warranty, and within your budget. Beware of a dealer’s sticker price as it does not provide all the information needed to make an informative purchase.
Depending on the year, make and model sports car, you may find one more affordable than you expect:
- You can purchase an entry level sports car like the Subaru WRX or Mazda MX for around $26, 000.
- For an everyday use sports car, the BMW Z4 steps in at for $49, 700.
- Mid size luxury sports car like the 2019 Maserati GranTurismo MC sells for $162,880.
- Luxury sports cars can reach astronomical values. The 2019 Lamborghini Aventador S Coupe sells for $417,650.
When is the best time to buy a sports car? Car prices are often the best towards year end. This is when dealers and manufacturers need to make space for new models and you could negotiate a good deal on a new, or used, sports car. Learn how to be like Supercar Blondie, and buy a super car for under $100, 000.
MPG (Miles Per Gallon) Rating for Sports Cars
Sports cars are not known for their fuel efficiency, but their are a few of these speedsters that won’t completely break the bank at the gas station.
With gas pricing rising daily, car owners are looking for the best mile per gallon rating possible, whether they drive a sedan or a sports car. How do you check your prospective sports car’s MPG rating? There are a number of bona fide consumer reports that help you establish the MPG rating of your sports car.
Compare different sports cars and their fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov to see what catches your liking, and suits your gas budget.
Should I buy an econo car or a sports car? Ask yourself what you want from a car? When comfort, cargo, passenger space and fuel economy is part of your criteria for a new car, then maybe a sports car should not be on your short list.
Here is a short list of ways to save gas and dollars… whether you drive a sports car, sedan, or SUV:
- Cut out aggressive driving habits like quick acceleration, speeind and hard braking. Safe up to 40% in urban environments and 30% on the highway.
- Driver feedback devices trains drivers in eco-friendly driving - improve gas mileage by 10%.
- Sensible driving safes lives and fuel
Is Driving a Sports Car Better Than Kissing?
There are motor manufacturers who are doing studies to show that driving a sports car is good for your health. Tests revealed that compared to activities like kissing, roller coaster riding, shopping and Salsa dancing among others, driving a high performance car is only outranked by roller coasters (and no-one rides one daily).
Why do you feel happy when you drive a sports car? Driving a sports car is a mood influencer that can relax you and make you feel content. A relaxed mind is open to new ideas and fills in the missing links to insights and ideas.
Did You Know? Some of today’s sports cars can be gas frugal.
- The 400 horsepower Porsche 911 Carrera S gets 27 MPG on the highway
- The BMW i8 is a sports hybrid that gets 95 mpg
Should you buy a sports car with manual or automatic transmission? The main purpose of a sports car is to give its driver a superior, premium driving experience. Sports cars are designed with speed, steering, cornering and performance as the end goal, and not so much for price and practicality. Rather, they are status symbols that offer excitement, and challenges, for any driver.
Expert SUV Driving Tip: Before opening the driver’s door, walk around your sports car’s perimeter to check for any potential risks.
Sports Car Seating and Access?
When you buy a new sports car, it is reasonable to expect comfortable seating for a driver and a passenger, although there are some sporty sedans with rear seats (not a sports car’s claim to fame).
Sports cars are designed for speed and aerodynamics, which means they are usually quite low to the ground. This can make it difficult to enter and exit the car, specially for backseat passengers. It is rather clear that if you have a family, or have mobility difficulties, a sports car may not be the bet choice for you.
Layout of Sports Car Seats
The first sports cars were designed as two-seater roadsters, although they developed from four-seater tourers that required four seats due to the regulations of that time. It was only after 1920 that two seat sports cars became the norm. A few modern sports cars feature a 2+2 seating configuration, although the two back seats are normally very cramped and suited more for luggage or children.
Other seating configurations have been tried by Lamborghini and McClaren, but not with huge success.
What Safety Features Should Your Sports Car Have?
Sports cars are designed for speed and safety, and their low center of gravity means that rollover accidents are not very commonplace.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program conduct rollover, side-impact and other accident simulations to gather data that get translated to a car’s safety ratings. You can visit their website for different models of cars, including sports cars, and their safety ratings.
You are only as safe as the safety features that is available in your sports car. Here is a list of features that will keep you safe:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Airbags
- ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- TCS (Traction Control System)
- Rear Facing Cameras
- Safety-belt features
- Forward-collision warning (FCW)
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane-keeping assist (LKA)
- And many more
At the end of the day, you should buy a sports car that best suits your personality, and safety requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Cars
Let Nationwide Auto Transportation Bring Your New Sports Car Home
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Besides open car shipping, not recommended for sports cars, Nationwide specializes in enclosed shipping. Other services include:
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- Simple and easy—Give us your basic car information as well as your location, destination, and chosen mode of transportation. We will provide you with our most affordable price at no cost to you.
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- Quality Service—Our driver will provide you with the keys to your vehicle upon arrival, and you will be able to inspect the condition of your vehicle. You will then sign the Bill of Lading and pay the remaining transportation balance at the time of delivery.
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