what is the definition of a sports car...

[Onizuka]

i just wanted to here people opinions on what makes a sports car a sports car. What kind or criteria does it has to fulfill? What is the most importaint aspect of performance for a sports car?

Thanks

[Rockenreno]

its name must contain "240" and end in "sx"



Seriously though. I define a "sports car" as RWD or AWD (FWD can be decent, fast car, but not usually a "sports car"). Must have decent power, and more importantly, handling abilities. I think the handling is what truly separates a "sports" car from any other. Also, sleek, low to the ground looks are common on such vehicles. But yeah, handling.

[SmithSR]

Heightened <response> in all driving conditions. Acceleration, braking, handling. Not necessarliy in that order. The car that maximizes these three would be a sports, or 'sporting', or 'sporty' car.

[Mr1der]

low, fast, and not an suv

[[Zero-S]]

SmithSR hit it right on the spot.

[MrFox]

What is the most importaint aspect of performance for a sports car?

Fun

[Onizuka]

but a car can be "fun" without being fast. just an observation.

[MainEvent212]

14 seconds or less in the 1/4 mile...approx. 1G on the skidpad...2 doors preferably but some 4 doors sneek in there

[Mr1der]

yeah, like that pesky BMW M5 and the soon to be made CTS-V

[Cold_Zero]

Heightened <response> in all driving conditions. Acceleration, braking, handling. Not necessarliy in that order. The car that maximizes these three would be a sports, or 'sporting', or 'sporty' car.

Agreed.There is a difference between a:

Sports Car- Typically an expensive car that embodies performance over all out luxury. It is just expensive enough to keep the car out of the hands of the common driver.

Super Car- A car that has extreme performance that money can buy. Money is typically no object when pursuing a super car. My or may not embody luxury.

Touring Car- A car that has a sporty element to it but luxury is the underlying theme of the car. The marquee of a touring car is how smooth the drive is in one.

Sport Compact Car- An economy class car that has been designed for with performance at mind.

Sporty Car- A car that has the appearance of a sports car but lacks the performance.

Just my take on things.

[Toahk]

less than 3 seats =)

[krazy skwerel]

Indeed true sports cars are 2 seaters.

[MainEvent212]

has a turbo :-p

well not really, but it SHOULD!

[corn322]

2 doors, 2 seats. rear wheel drive, get's up to speed fast, turns fast, stops fast. parts of the car rattle and you can't figure out what it is. but you don't care, you didn't buy a luxury car.

[Mr1der]

so what's a Skyline GT-R considered gang?

[the_invisible]

To me, a sports car has to be extremely effective. It doesn't need to have a big turbo charged engine, just an efficient engine with efficient intake and exhaust flow to maximize the burning of fuel.

It doesn't need extra wide low profiles tires. All it needs is decent suspension and suitable size wheels for the car's demand. Enough to make the car responsive and offer feedback to the driver. Doesn't need to pull 0.90g on the skidpad. Good feedback and control is enough.

Effiency, to me, is the key when producing a sports car. A sports car doesn't need the comforts and luxuries most cars offer. Simple and lightweight without unnecessary items to save cost and weight is important.

Really, it doesn't take much for a manufacturer to produce a very sporty car. Though, many car makers, when designing a sports car, still has comforts in mind. Stiffer engine and transmission mounts doesn't necessiarly cost more to produce, but they chose not to use it. Shorter and more precise shifting action can be accomplished with a shorter shifter and stiffer rubber bushings, but they don't like the idea.

[Mr1der]

I think what makes a sports car is the Sex factor, how much can you get with it?

well not really, but come on eh eh it's atleast part of the fun owning one

[MrFox]

but a car can be "fun" without being fast. just an observation.

And thousands of MG owners will attest to this very fact.

Fast is a relative thing. A car can also be fast without being fun.

[Bubba1]

Sports car: 2 seat cars that emphasizes peformance and handling over creature comforts. There are no price parameters or performance requirements. random examples: Triumph Spitfire, Mazda Miata, Porsche Boxter, Dodge Viper, Nissan 350Z

GT : or Gran turismo. Grand touring. Maximum Luxury and performance combined. Price tends to be high: Ferrari 575 Maranello, Porsche 928, Aston Martin Vanquish, (Nissan does not make a cGT )

Sporty Coupe: sports car looks, but basic sedan underpinnings:random examples: 240sx (sorry, bit a sports car), Celica, Prelude, Tiburon, Eclipse

Sport Touring: Sedans that handle and perform like a sports car but are more practical: random examples S4, M3, Sti, Evo

Hows that?

[TurboKA37]

a sports car is the type of car that the buyers do not look for the car to have features, ride comfort, or convenience in ones life. its the type of car that puts a smile on the drivers face when u go through a turn.

[nametakennow]

so what's a Skyline GT-R considered gang?

God.

[MainEvent212]

the holy trinity...

all wheel drive...like a truck/SUV

medium displacement turbo charged...like a race car

lots of creature comforts...like a luxury sedan

bwahaha

[Mr1der]

heavy like a bentley! haha damn Japan and they're laws, it can't come stock with power of most bentleys...I've heard there's an easy fix for them though, some kinda governor or something...

[Rockenreno]

(Nissan does not make a cGT )

*cough* Skyline *cough*

I'd definately say Skyline is luxury with a sports car soul, hence GT class by your definition.

[Onizuka]

heavy like a bentley! haha damn Japan and they're laws, it can't come stock with power of most bentleys...I've heard there's an easy fix for them though, some kinda governor or something...

A GT-R would kick the living s*** out of a bently on the track.

[skydragoness]

Agreed.There is a difference between a:

Sports Car- Typically an expensive car that embodies performance over all out luxury. It is just expensive enough to keep the car out of the hands of the common driver.

Super Car- A car that has extreme performance that money can buy. Money is typically no object when pursuing a super car. My or may not embody luxury.

Touring Car- A car that has a sporty element to it but luxury is the underlying theme of the car. The marquee of a touring car is how smooth the drive is in one.

Sport Compact Car- An economy class car that has been designed for with performance at mind.

Sporty Car- A car that has the appearance of a sports car but lacks the performance.

Just my take on things.

yeah that about hit the nail on the head. :ylsuper

[Mr1der]

Of course the skyline would dominate a bentley on the track, but wouldn't it be fun to have a bentley, a bottle of Cristal and some rap video girls shakin they booty?

[Bubba1]

*cough* Skyline *cough*

I'd definately say Skyline is luxury with a sports car soul, hence GT class by your definition.

I'd classify it in Sport Touring. M5 is also sport touring.

[CaptainHenreh]

A Skyline is a touring car. It's much to heavy to be anythjing else. Like a 3KGT. I mean, sure it's twin-turbo all-wheel drive, but man it's a porker.

A sports car should be reasonably light.

[Onizuka]

R32 GT-R is resonably light

If my car has RWD, 2drs, 280whp, 2 seats and weighs under 2700lbs, is it a sports car?