The ‘performance’ in a performance car represents a more powerful engine, superior speed, agility, and overall driving experience.
While regular cars have moderately powerful engines that are easier to handle, performance and sports cars need a powerful engine to provide higher performance.
They Have A Need For Speed
High-performance cars are vehicles that offer great speed and power. Typically the more power potential a car’s engine can offer in comparison to its overall weight, the more acceleration (and high-performance quality) it can deliver.
Now, you may be wondering, are hi-performance cars just those that are raced on professional speedways? While these rides undeniably fit the definition, more powerfully optimized engines can also be found under the hoods of exotic sport coupes and convertibles. Turbocharged and supercharged engines can even be found in sport versions of mainstream vehicles like the Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk.
But there is more…
While speed, power, and other under-the-hood happenings may be the fundamentals of a high-performance vehicle, it’s important to remember that every part and system has the power to work with or against the vehicle’s ability to perform. These facets also play the main role in what makes a capable racer:
Aerodynamic builds: the sleek look of a hi-performance car isn’t just for show. A vehicle that minimizes its friction points is able to slip through the air faster than a bulky car with lots of friction points and drag.
Smart suspensions: as the system of struts and springs that connects the car’s body to its wheels, a properly tuned suspension enables the ability to hug tight corners and keep the ride smooth.
Sticky tires: if you think about the way that high-performance cars are driven, you can imagine just how high a priority traction from the right tires is on the track!
Fortified brakes: it’s easy to only think about the engine in a high-performance vehicle, but any racecar driver will tell you that the brakes are just as important. Hi-performance brakes are needed to handle the incredibly high heat produced by the friction applied to slow the wheels and stop the car at top speeds.
Conclusion
Performance cars are usually pretty easy to spot. They have a number of features that distinguish them from your average everyday car. Things like large spoilers, sporty body kits, and low-profile tires are all common on performance cars. If you're looking for a little more power and speed, then a performance car may be the right choice for you.