Great article:
No One Knows What "Sports Car" Actually Means Anymore

 

Very educational. I look forward to getting throat punched by my Mustang driving friends when I accuse them of driving a sedan LOL!!!

 

I'm not sure that I agree with the article. I always learned that 4 doors/4 seats with a solid top meant sedan (or saloon for those across the pond) and that 2 doors/ 4 seats with a solid top meant coupe. Topless 2 doors/2 seats is a roadster.

To me a sports car is a sub set of the above. If it goes faster and handles better than a grocery getter, has 2 doors and is not anything that ends in UV it might be a sports car. 4 doors might be a sports sedan. It's almost like the definition of **** - hard to describe, but I know it when I see it.

 

Yes an interesting article and I pretty much agree as far as a sports car goes. So by these definitions the F-type convertible is a sports car. But where it gets a bit hazy for me is after that so according to the article the coupe is actually a GT not a coupe but not a sports car. But then what happens as far as the Mustang, I would have said it was a GT Coupe but apparently it is a sedan.

 

I think I'd ease up a bit on the rigidity of his sports car definition. To keep it simple, if it has only two adult seats, it's a sport's car. Now one could argue that the 911 has back seats, so it doesn't qualify, but they are unsuitable for almost anyone over the age of 10, so it can stay in.

It's pretty ridiculous to not include cars like the 911 and Corvette in the sports car category.

 

Agreed, except that I'm not sure that I would include the likes of a Saturn Sky or the Pontiac version.

 

I never drove one, but supposedly they (Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky) handled well, and were designed as competitors to the MX-5 (Miata), which is most certainly a sports car and consistently on the "10 Best" list.

 

No, the way I was brought up, and around a lot of car enthusiasts, a sports car is convertible two seats. A permanent hard top does not qualify for sports car. But after that it gets more hazy.

 

0-60 in less than 5.5 (preferably less than 5) and will make a group of teenage boys stare and/or point = sports car

 

I have to disagree.... A true sports car is always a HARD TOP Coupe, because everyone knows a hardtop handles much better than a body flexing convertible...

 

Just to add my 2 cents worth, to me a "sports car" will always be a fun to drive 2 seater convertible. An early Alfa Romeo comes to mind immediately. Nowadays perhaps a Miata. Now "Performance Cars" that encompasses many, including your sub 5.5 sec car, which of course are fun but in a different way so to speak.


Kind of reminds me of motorcycles with so many pushing incredible performance envelopes we have forgotten just how much fun is to be had on a Honda Super 90 at WOT on some twisty back roads.

 

We're entering an age where that isn't exactly true anymore. Take the newest corvette for example.

That being said, I agree a vert isn't the only thing that can be classified a sports car.

 

This is so true. There are some very stable, stiff convertibles out there now. Back in the day, it was design the Coupe, then cut the top off and make it a convertible...

We've come a long way!

 

Yeah, I know what the classic definition is, but it's gotten a little silly, which is why I was willing to settle for a 2-seater, without insisting on a convertible top.

The car below is not a convertible, but a 2-seater, coupe w/ a removable top. So is it a sports car?

 

It's definitely NOT a Sportscar... It's a Corvette Stingray!

 

yes and a damn good one

 

Um, 100% yes.

 

Absodamnedlutely, a world-class sportscar.

 

OK, I am jealous. It is a sports car and a performance car. Very nice and that is my next car in a year or two, I like white my wife does not so I will compromise ; )

 

sports car ....

nothing on the car that does not make it go faster, corner better
or stop faster.

no heated seats, fancy sound systems, and other such frippery.