Definition of a supercar
Discussion
A while back my friends and I got into the discussion of "what is a supercar". There are the easy ones ... any car from Lambo, Pagani and Ferrari etc.
Then you have the middle ground Porsche, Aston, etc. Are they super cars or sports cars? Does it depend on model Eg feeling a 911 GT3RS is a supercar, but a boxster isn't?
What about brands that aren't normally associated with super cars but have something thats not run of the mill eg not Audi generally but the R8 etc?
Of course none of this really matters but what are your views?
Then you have the middle ground Porsche, Aston, etc. Are they super cars or sports cars? Does it depend on model Eg feeling a 911 GT3RS is a supercar, but a boxster isn't?
What about brands that aren't normally associated with super cars but have something thats not run of the mill eg not Audi generally but the R8 etc?
Of course none of this really matters but what are your views?
Algarve said:
No of course not. I'm saying it varies on the specific circumstances and you've just went and picked the most extreme example possible 
Whats special about a 355? I realise some won't agree but to me it looks dated, its not particularly fast, doesn't handle particularly well, isn't particularly rare/valuable, and doesn't do anything particularly well.
Next to drop of the supercar list - 997 Turbo. poverty spec 360. Poverty spec gallardo (will need to get rid of mines before i recategorise it )
The 355 is felt by many to be one of the most beautiful cars they made and I feel the same way. For a 1994 car it had nearly 400hp and was fast for its time. It has the classic ferrari gateshift gearbox. It sounds incredible. Actually handled very well if set up properly. Oh .... and the market seems to agree as they are appreciating in value, good ones are rare and now worth north of 100k! Whats special about a 355? I realise some won't agree but to me it looks dated, its not particularly fast, doesn't handle particularly well, isn't particularly rare/valuable, and doesn't do anything particularly well.
Next to drop of the supercar list - 997 Turbo. poverty spec 360. Poverty spec gallardo (will need to get rid of mines before i recategorise it
)Arguably a gallardo looks dated next to an LP, which in turn looks dated next to a Huracan. Does that mean only the Huracan is a supercar?
I dont have an R8, but a friend does, and it draws a lot of attention. As said above, particularly with the ladies.
I dont think attention alone makes a car a supercar. Im sure a bright green focus rs draws a lot of attention but its definitely not a supercar.
I would have said you have various categories:
1. Sports cars - most Astons, most Porsches, R8, NSX, etc
2. Supercars - most models of lambo, Ferrari, Mclaren, etc.
3. Hypercars - Pagani generally, Porsche 918, La Ferrari, Bugatti Chiron, mclaren P1.
I would suggest that its a combination of brand, heritage, style, exclusivity, performance and cost. Its not necessarily clear cut and many ate arguable. I would also say that once a supercar, always a supercar.
I dont think attention alone makes a car a supercar. Im sure a bright green focus rs draws a lot of attention but its definitely not a supercar.
I would have said you have various categories:
1. Sports cars - most Astons, most Porsches, R8, NSX, etc
2. Supercars - most models of lambo, Ferrari, Mclaren, etc.
3. Hypercars - Pagani generally, Porsche 918, La Ferrari, Bugatti Chiron, mclaren P1.
I would suggest that its a combination of brand, heritage, style, exclusivity, performance and cost. Its not necessarily clear cut and many ate arguable. I would also say that once a supercar, always a supercar.
If you put the TT and the R8 in the same colour and a non-car fan saw them in their rear view mirror, separately, rather than side by side, I suspect a number wouldnt know the difference.
Personally I think the R8, like the 911, and the AstonVantage are all sports cars, not super cars.
The R8 has a supercar look externally. The inside is very "Audi" and the few i have driven haven't been terribly exciting to drive. They also dont sound particularly impressive. It was built to compete with the 911. Generally I wouldnt put a 911 as a supercar either (I have owned several). Aston Vantage (I have owned one and it was one of my favourite cars) but again its a sports car to me.
Personally I think the R8, like the 911, and the AstonVantage are all sports cars, not super cars.
The R8 has a supercar look externally. The inside is very "Audi" and the few i have driven haven't been terribly exciting to drive. They also dont sound particularly impressive. It was built to compete with the 911. Generally I wouldnt put a 911 as a supercar either (I have owned several). Aston Vantage (I have owned one and it was one of my favourite cars) but again its a sports car to me.
Ive driven 964 and 996 turbo. Ive owned a 997 turbo (sold earlier this year). The turbos may be faster, but there is no comparison in terms of driver experience, looks and sound; I'd buy a 355 without hesitation. Its a combination of all those factors that make a supercar. Its a lack of that special feel that made me sell the 997 turbo this year, and what did I change for, a Ferrari!
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