What is a Supercar?

[Chate]

Whats your definition?

Some base it on price (calling something like...the maybach a supercar) and others on performance or rarity. I think for me its kinda like Stewert's definition of porn, you know it when you see it, but its hard to define.

What would YOU say?

[SeanPlunk]

Whats your definition?

Some base it on price (calling something like...the maybach a supercar) and others on performance or rarity. I think for me its kinda like Stewert's definition of porn, you know it when you see it, but its hard to define.

What would YOU say?

This is a tough one. I'll say it has to have a power to weight ratio of at least 5.5lb/1hp, be relatively limited in production, and be made up of at least some exotic materials.

[Vettezuki]

This is a tough one. I'll say it has to have a power to weight ratio of at least 5.5lb/1hp, be relatively limited in production, and be made up of at least some exotic materials.

I guess yo mean current production cars. It's a relative question. The Miura is clearly a super car from the olden days, but wouldn't pass the P:W or even the exotic materials bit I don't think.

I think the current ZR1 is an interesting point of discussion, because in many ways it would certainly qualify but there are plenty who would through quite a hissy at the idea. I'd say it's a Supercar, but not a Hypercar (Zonda, Veyron, et al). Doesn't really matter; says more about how you think than anything.

[SeanPlunk]

I guess yo mean current production cars. It's a relative question. The Miura is clearly a super car from the olden days, but wouldn't pass the P:W or even the exotic materials bit I don't think.

I think the current ZR1 is an interesting point of discussion, because in many ways it would certainly qualify but there are plenty who would through quite a hissy at the idea. I'd say it's a Supercar, but not a Hypercar (Zonda, Veyron, et al). Doesn't really matter; says more about how you think than anything.

I would consider the ZR1 a supercar - it meets all of my criteria.

[Chate]

Hypercar? Thats a new word for me!! I think if there is an ultra-elite level such as that then perhaps defining a supercar becomes easier too-
"must be affordable for non-sheikhs"...

[enkeivette]

Anything that would humble a modern sports car by a substantial amount (modern sports car such as a base Corvette or Mustang). So, I'd qualify the ZR1, and maybe even the SRT10 on up to the Exotics.

I don't think it should be a performance only judgment. Otherwise old supercars like the Testerosa which are now humbled by modern sports cars like the C6 would no longer be supercars. And similarly old sports cars like Mustangs which are now humbled by an SRT4 would no longer be sports cars. You need a basis of judgment that is relative to other cars of the same era.

[SeanPlunk]

Anything that would humble a modern sports car by a substantial amount (modern sports car such as a base Corvette or Mustang). So, I'd qualify the ZR1, and maybe even the SRT10 on up to the Exotics.

I don't think it should be a performance only judgment. Otherwise old supercars like the Testerosa which are now humbled by modern sports cars like the C6 would no longer be supercars. And similarly old sports cars like Mustangs which are now humbled by an SRT4 would no longer be sports cars. You need a basis of judgment that is relative to other cars of the same era.

You make some excellent points. When I was thinking about it I had the same problem. I think even the Ferrari F40 wouldn't make my power to weight requirement for instance and it's definitely a supercar.