How to Choose the Right Sports Car
The definition of a sports car has expanded considerably over time. Sports cars are now available in a wide array of models, ranging from two seat roadsters to small sedans, coupes and hatchbacks. You'll want to do some research before you buy to find the right model. Do you just want a sports car for fun, or do you also have some practical needs to consider, such as cargo space and fuel economy? Here are some tips for choosing the best sports car for your needs:
Engines: The engine options range from 4-cylinder engines to powerful V8s. 6-cylinder engines usually provide the best balance of power and fuel economy. 4-cylinder engines usually get better fuel economy, but don't have the power or refinement of larger engines. V8s provide more power than 6-cylinders, but have lower gas mileage. Turbocharged and supercharged versions of these engines pay an additional fuel-economy penalty for the extra power they give. Many cars in this segment also require premium fuel, which further raises the costs. Most sports cars are available with an automatic transmission or a five or six-speed manual transmission. Manuals generally provide better fuel economy and many drivers find them more fun to drive because of the additional control they provide. Many automatics now provide a manual-shift mode that works similar to a manual transmission, but without a clutch.
FWD, RWD, or AWD: Most sports car models use RWD because it provides better handling and steering, although many models are also available with FWD. The advantage of FWD is that it provides better traction than RWD in poor road conditions. Some models are available with AWD, which provides better traction in slippery conditions than either RWD or FWD. Traction control is also available on some models, which provides extra traction in slippery conditions.
Convertibles: Some sports car models are available as convertibles with either a soft top or hard top. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages. Soft tops are less secure from theft and less insulated from noise and outside temperatures. Hard tops can be heavy and cumbersome to get on and off and require a storage space when not in use.
Access: Many sports cars sit low to the ground and have little head room and small doors, which can make entry and exit awkward. Some coupes have wider doors and more head room. Sedans and 4-door hatchbacks typically provide easier access than low-slung 2-door models.
Seating: A sports car can have anywhere from two to five seating positions, depending on the model. With a five-seat design, the middle rear position is often tight and uncomfortable for adults. Try sitting in each seat to gauge its comfort level. Also look for a center rear seat with a three-point safety belt instead of a lap belt.
Cargo space: If cargo space is anywhere on your list of priorities, then a sports car may not be the right vehicle for you. Only a few models provide decent cargo space. If you have any large items that you'll often want to take with you, you may want to bring them with you when you shop to make sure that they will fit.
Safety features: All new cars have standard dual front air bags, three-point safety belts in the outboard seating positions, and top-tether and LATCH child-seat attachments in the rear seats. Some models also offer side air bags. Head-protection side bags, which protect passengers in a side impact, are available only on some nonconvertible models. Other available safety features include electronic stability control, traction control, tire-pressure monitors, safety-belt pretensioners, occupant-sensing air-bag systems and daytime running lights.
Published on Friday, March 13, 2009 - Email to a friend
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