Sports Cars: Getting Started in Your Need for Speed
If high acceleration, top speed and looks are what you want in a vehicle, then a sports car is probably what you are looking for.
Sports cars are a $4.5 billion industry with about 55,000 units sold annually.
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Sports cars are specifically designed to drive faster because it is harder to maneuver a faster object.
The term "sporty" was coined to refer to a sleek yet rugged design that exudes a strong personality for the man behind the wheel.
What follows is a basic overview of the sports cars on the market - their general design and appearance, as well as a list of the most popular models and manufacturers.
FF – front engine, front wheel drive.
The FF form has moderate high-speed handling capabilities and can be seen in select models such as the Fiat Coupe and Lotus Elan M100.
FR – front engine, rear wheel drive
Considered a "classic" sports car, the engine drives the rear wheels but keeps the weight behind. The FR is good for cornering while maintaining control. Mercedes-Benz has been approved to use this layout for its models.
RR – rear engine, rear wheel drive
The rear engine drives the rear wheels, with weight placement on the RR layout giving the car excellent traction. However, handling becomes difficult without driving aids such as stability control. To date, the only manufacturer to retain the RR look for their cars is Porsche.
AVD – All Wheel Drive
The AVD layout offers the easiest handling, making it ideal for those new to sports cars. Audi pioneered extensive use of this technology by the Quattro. Japanese manufacturers such as Mitsubishi used this layout to enhance handling, making it an excellent rally car.
Sports car manufacturers are more common in Europe than in the United States due to greater restrictions in the states. However, American brands are in equal competition with European and Asian brands.
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