Some people just don't think Corvettes are sports cars. If the Corvette isn't a sports car, the F-Type certainly isn't, and that's OK. Perhaps the Corvette and F-Type are both poor at being sports cars! But they are great performance cars!

I think a lot of the distinguishing between these different classes of cars is futile, but by the same token, I don't like it when people say their hot hatches are sports cars or their wagons are sports cars, etc.

 

The definitions of various cars is largely semantics....I've debated the definition of "musclecar" with collectors dozens of times and, in the end, there is no black and white resolution.

I'd certainly agree that an XKR is a GT (so does wikipedia for whatever that is worth) and also that a Corvette is a sports car (and not a musclecar under the strict definition). I'd argue that a Mustang is indeed a sedan (enclosed car for 4 or more people) and it could also be a performance sedan (depending on engine). To be really strict it's a "pony car" which is a sub-set of sedan; the term that arose from the Mustang when it was introduced in 1964 and has been applied to the Firebird, Camaro, Challenger and Barracuda. Using a "less strict" definition it may also be a "musclecar" if it is a performance model with the appropriate hi output engine. The term "musclecar" is even more misunderstood than "sportscar"! LOL

Dave

 

Agreed: a Corvette (and an F-type) is a sportscar even under the strictest definition though you might limit the name to the roadster versions. I've never seen weight as being a criteria and luxury/creature comforts have expanded to the point in 2016 that if you limit cars based on that, there aren't any.

2 cents,
Dave

 

Here's Merriam-Webster's definition, FWIW;

A sports car (sportscar) is a small, usually two seater, two door automobile designed for spirited performance and nimble handling.[2][3] According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the first known use of the term was in 1928.[2]

Dave

 

The Corvette has been a 2-seat sports car since 1953, even pre-dating the iconic E-Type by almost a decade.

 

Yep, you'll not get an argument from me on that one!

Cheers,
Dave

 

I'm am in the middle of a boring Board meeting and dividing my attention. Of course, I meant Camaro! Thank you for the catch. My C4 was certainly bereft of amenities and met the weight criteria.

 

Can't tell you but I know one when I see one.

 

The Jaguar F-Type is a British Corvette.

 

I bought some "sports car" magazines from the early Fifties just as the sports car movement was starting in the US. Their definition was of course the classic one, namely small two seat convertible/roadster suitable for competition right off the showroom floor. Just think, just before this era the typical American car was a humdrum two or four door sedan. Those seeking a little glamour chose one of the convertible variants that were very common. Convertibles were offered in almost every model line, from the Cadillac to the Crosely. When returning WW2 GIs started building pre war Ford roadster hot rods (again) many started racing these "specials" against Europe's best. Think of Max Balchowsky's Old Yeller, or A.K. Miller's Caballo de hiero. When GM produced the original Corvette it was pretty weak but has been developed to a very high level. Ford produced the Thunderbird which although popular was never meant to be a sporting car. Chrysler just built a road burning big car, the 300C. Fast forward to today, and people are buying cars that they can use and live with. That's why every manufacturer is building SUVs even Porsche and now Jaguar. I wouldn't call the modern Pony cars, or the luxury GT cars true sports cars. However the buyers that purchase these type of cars are choosing a car that is fast and fun to drive and is still usable as everyday transportation. The true sports car buyer is a purist and is also in the minority.

 

2 seater hard, soft or PRHT version of same vehicle can't be classified differently. My the old school definition, technically, my Miata PRHT is not a sports car. Silly. I 100% agree on the 4 door coupe BS however!!! All those BMW GT cars are correctly called hatchbacks BTW.