While many people might look at all the different varieties of sports cars and see the same thing, avid collectors know different. Whether it's a high-performance sports car, supercar, or hypercar, each boasts different specs.
It's nice to have the best vehicles for your collection. However, finding those that meet your criteria can be difficult if you're unsure what to look for. Here's a guide to the 4 different types of sports cars.
The History of Sports Cars
If collecting vehicles is in your purview, you can't go wrong with sports cars. They date back to around the turn of the 20th century when automakers began putting more powerful engines in their existing models to improve performance and make them more appealing to customers who wanted something different.
In 1914, the Vauxhall 25-hp Prince Henry Sports Torpedo was released to the public. It could go more than 80 mph and was incredibly fast and light for its day. The models that are still around today are worth over half a million dollars and are highly collectible. The Prince Henry represented the start of a new class of vehicles that would continue to be refined over the next century.
What Makes Sports Cars Unique?
Sports cars primarily evolved from muscle cars, which were often designed around performance and style. Modern sports cars are defined mainly by their aerodynamic bodies, excellent handling, and high top speeds not found in other consumer vehicles. These specs make sports cars a thrill to drive, and they're often used in racing because of their enhanced capabilities.
Sports cars are generally two-seaters that have a more streamlined body than basic sedans. Knowing if a vehicle qualifies as a sports car is crucial because it can affect insurance costs. Their higher horsepower also makes them more dangerous to drive.
What Are Some Examples?
Supercars such as the Honda NSX, Dodge Viper, and Mercedes SLS AMG are designed with quality and precision, making them excellent vehicles for the road or for display in your collection. While the differences between sports cars, high-performance sports cars, supercars, and hypercars can be a little muddy, sports cars are the basic package that more advanced models build upon.
High-Performance Sports Cars
Some people want more than what traditional sports cars can offer. In such cases, manufacturers also make high-performance sports cars with even better specs. While sports cars may require some modifications for racing, high-performance sports cars are designed to go straight onto the track.
High-performance sports cars are lighter weight with more powerful engines, making them even more exhilarating for drivers. High-performance sports cars come in many different shapes and sizes, making them incredibly attractive to collectors.
What Are Some Examples?
Examples of high-performance sports cars include the Porsche 911, Jaguar F-Type, and Audi R8. These vehicles were designed to give drivers the best experience behind the wheel. While similar to standard sports cars, high-performance vehicles boast essential improvements that make driving much more entertaining.
Supercars
If sports cars and high-performance sports cars offer advanced features in a streamlined package, supercars take things to the next level. Starting in the 1960s, car manufacturers began building more advanced engines capable of even more horsepower and torque.
In 1966, Lamborghini introduced the Miura, a high-end two-seater with a V-12 rear engine. The vehicle was an instant hit among auto enthusiasts because of its quick acceleration time and high top speeds. The Miura is considered by many to be one of the first supercars on the market, offering advanced specs that outperformed the sports cars of the day.
What Makes Supercars Unique?
The biggest thing that sets supercars apart from their counterparts is speed. Supercars are often equipped with the most powerful engines, making them capable of incredible acceleration and speed. Buyers appreciate the ability to move at the fastest speeds possible while maintaining excellent handling on the road.
Supercars are engineered using advanced technologies such as fuel injection. They're made with lightweight materials that further increase their performance capabilities. They're designed to be sleek and stylish with excellent controls, allowing drivers to make the most of their ride.
What Are Some Examples?
The most popular supercars include the Lotus Evija and Pagani Utopia. These vehicles come at a much higher price point than both sports cars and high-performance sports cars, making them reserved for only the most avid collectors.
Hypercars
Those looking for the most advanced vehicles imaginable turn to hypercars for maximum thrills and excitement. Hypercars haven't been around as long as other types of sports cars, but they've quickly become the ideal that manufacturers look to when striving for performance.
The McLaren F1, released in 1991, is often considered the first hypercar in production. Only a little over a hundred models were ever produced, making them a much more rare concept than their supercar counterparts.
What Makes Hypercars Unique?
Hypercars are considered much more exclusive than supercars. They're designed with even more power and performance, and in most cases, only a certain number are ever produced, making them highly sought after.
Collectors looking for the most exclusive models often focus their attention on hypercars. While supercars are considered top of their class, hypercars take things even further, often employing advanced technologies that can't be found in other vehicles. The Volvo S90, for example, has autonomous driving features that can detect deer and other obstacles in the road.
What Are Some Examples?
The Bugatti Veyron 16.4, Koenigsegg Agera RS, and Rimac Nevera are a few of the most popular hypercars today. With speeds exceeding 250 mph, the vehicles push car manufacturing to the next level. Those who appreciate the technical expertise of modern carmakers often focus their attention on hypercars and the advanced features they offer.
Find a Sports Car That Speaks to You
No matter what type of sports car you decide to buy, you'll need to ensure it meets your basic requirements before investing in it. Whether you're considering purchasing a Ferrari scale model or the real thing, it's nice to know you're getting something of good value.
The sports car market is constantly growing. With so many options, knowing where to spend your money can be difficult. Understanding the 4 different types of sports cars will give you a better idea of what specific models are worth so you can invest wisely.
