When the term “sports car” is mentioned most people would visualize wealth. This is because the price of the cheapest sports car may be accessible to many people but its running and maintenance costs are high. Even so many people are prepared to burn money by owning at least one sports car while a bigger number dream of having one.

Most sports car manufacturers also produce or used to produce racing cars such as Ferrari, BMW, and Lotus. Their experiences in designing, producing, and running racing cars are used to improve the design and performance of their sports cars.

Design and Appeal

The first thing that strikes an onlooker is its external and internal designs. Most sports cars are low slung to provide stability especially when negotiating bends and corners. The lines are mostly smooth and there are curves suggesting sexiness and other female related endearments.

Most designs are functional and aimed at maximizing performance while increasing efficiency. As a result in certain cases the designs are rather minimalist for extra passengers.

The revolution in car design is diluting the differences between a sports car and an ordinary car. What is now considered as a sports car like one BMW model is disputed by sports car enthusiasts.

Performance and Handling

Most are powered by petrol engines though there is a move towards the use of hybrid engines. The Tesla is a completely battery powered sports car. When “battery powered” vehicles are mentioned most of us visualize slow moving buggies. The Tesla looks and performs like a sports car.

Speed is a major drawing factor for a sports car. Quick acceleration of less than 4 seconds from standing to 100 km/h is a must. Smooth car handling at high speeds, while negotiating corners and efficient braking add to the sense of power and control.

Environmental impact

Personally I think sports cars do not have a big impact on the environment even though fuel consumption is generally higher than conventional cars. Collectively their numbers are much smaller compared to other gas guzzling vehicles like SUVs and trucks. Improvements being made on efficiency may be due to a combination of factors including environmental aspects.

Among the improvements made include the use of composite materials which are lighter and stronger than steel. Changes made may or may not be practical, for example in the gull wings door. Rotary engines may be more efficient but the design is too radical for many people.

Maintenance and Running costs

Insurance, petrol consumption, accessories, spare parts, and general maintenance costs can bite deep into an owner’s financial situation. Generally the prices of spare parts and accessories are much higher. These are among the points which need to be taken into consideration before committing oneself to ownership of a sports car.

Psychological Aspect

Most sports car owners are males. Part of the reason may be due to the design of many sports cars which some people regard as sexy. Car manufacturers are also guilty of promoting this image through the use of beautiful, attractive, charming, and desirable models when promoting their cars.

Many owners are middle-aged, possibly due to the fact that when they were young they had to work hard to get the money needed to possess a sports car. Generally they feel young again whenever they are behind the wheels. In fact the majority of them usually have young women riding with them.

Apart from making a direct statement on personal wealth a sports car symbolizes power and individuality or uniqueness. This is also reflected by individual’s taste on factors such as brand name, design, performance, and practically.

Sports car owners are usually looked up with admiration by most other people. This boosts up their ego. Many of them feel an increase in confidence over other people.

Somehow women generally do not see sports cars as being feminine. A sports car is seen as masculine, as a beast. The male owner is seen as a beast tamer, thus earning their respect and admiration.

Clubs

There are various clubs catering for sports car owners. Certain organizations also cater for enthusiasts who do not actually own a sports car. Most are specific to particular brands. Among club activities include exchanging information on everything related to sports cars, group activities, and best prices for accessories and spare parts. Clubs and online forums are resource centers for most owners.

Many sports car owners are not satisfied with manufacturers’ settings. They have alternatives to increase engine power. Accessories and engine tuning are the two main avenues. Adding a turbo charger and the use of fuel and oil additives are also done.

In summary, sports car ownership is a general reflection on the individual’s characteristics and thinking. It is a symbol of wealth and power to some, and a symbol of ego and arrogance to others.