Given money to spend and a world of options when selecting a car, every car enthusiast goes for one option—getting a sports car. In the world of sports cars, however, there stands the basic criteria of speed, speed, speed, and, well, speed.
The fastest sports car according to various critics is the 1994 Dauer 962 LeMans, with acceleration speed of 2.6 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. The fastest Ferrari car is the 2002 Ferrari ENZO, and this one can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph at breakneck speed of 3.5 seconds. Other fast cars include a Chevrolet, a Dodge, a LeBlanc, a Renault, an Audi, and a Corvette, all of which have acceleration speeds of not more than 2.9 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
Now, the question that begs answering is: what makes a fast sports car? While stylistics make for a very good standard when getting a sports car, there’s more to the sleekness than just style. The very sleek and streamlined designs of these fast sports cars actually contribute to fantastic aerodynamics—making it much easier to drive the car fast without worrying about air resistance, air pressure, etc. In effect, the hot and sexy car design actually makes for more than aesthetics, but gives a boost to the speed and performance of the car.
Another feature that contributes to the speed of the car is its reduced weight. It’s evident in the reduced cargo capacity of a sports car. Luckily, this isn’t much of an issue with sports car enthusiasts. Related to cargo capacity and reduced weight is the fact that some sports cars may have smaller seating capacities, and usually are characterized by firmer, tighter rides, compared to the more spacious and comfortable rides offered by sports utility vehicles or sedans.
A last consideration in speed, however, is its general dynamics which include handling and drag when driving. A sports car has very little value if it cannot sustain its straight-line speeds when driving in tight curbs and ends up crushed after it hit a dead end. It is for this precise reason that even the fastest sports cars are usually rear-wheel driven rather than front-wheel driven, because of the fact that the rear-wheel drive provides greater traction and allows for the weight to be distributed evenly as the car makes a turn.
While there’s more to a sports car than just speed, it also doesn’t hurt that your sports car is fast. After all, the 1994 Dauer 962 LeMans is prized precisely because it rises above the speeds of every other fast sports car.
Friday
How Fast Does Your Car Go?
Tuesday
Custom Built Sports Cars
Customize It!
When we talk about sports cars, we imagine models from Jaguar, Porsche, Chevrolet, Lexus, Cadillac and Pontiac. But sports cars can be custom-made too! Quality replicas, as most people call them, can pass for those really nifty sports cars parading along a ritzy street.
What are the other things one needs to know about custom-built cars? Here they are:
1. Roadster or Coupe?
Whether the driver wants his car to be roadster or coupe, companies that custom-build cars can adjust to the choice.
2. The Big Kit
Okay, before customizing, one must have this important tool: the kit. Companies like ‘Quality Roadsters’ provide kits and packages to turn a bland car into a ‘wow-worthy’ one. From the car's frame to other materials and features, these are all provided to ensure maximum performance. As for the frame, the driver must take into consideration if he is going for the round tube or the square one. He must remember that round tube frame is lighter and tougher. On the other hand, a square tube frame is very easy to design. It can be stylish but not rigid or it can be rigid but not stylish.
Body-wise, the driver must choose a dimensionally-able car, with longer foot boxes and impressive fiberglass. The driver must custom-build it to the point that when he drives the car, it seems as if he is not driving the body, but the chassis.
The driver must also take note of the suspension. He must stay away from the independent rear suspension from Jaguar as it is harder to maintain. He must stick to a custom-built car with suspension materials similar to that of Mustang GT's. While replica industries usually make their own suspension, others just stick to the excellent-performing ones available on the market.
As for the engine, it is best that the driver goes for the one from Ford. Operating at 400-hp 302 V8 with transmitting power coming from a T-5 five speed, this engine qualifies as one of the better ones that can fully support a custom-built sports car.
Other car accessories like air-conditioning, overflow tank, cooling fan, shroud kit, fuel injection systems, wiper system and oil filter relocator must also be carefully and systematically selected.
A custom-built sports car will really spruce up the driver's lifestyle as it reflects his personality. He just has to be sure that the replica industry he has chosen will take care of him.
Friday
Convertible Incredible
What can be more appealing than driving a convertible? Convertible sports cars, with their sleek and sophisticated looks, are much in demand in the market. For someone who is hoping to snag his own top-down, here are some of the models he needs to consider:
1. 2005 BMW Z4
Sure, this baby is expensive - hey, it's a BMW - but its dynamics and features pretty much explain the price. This German sports car makes a statement as it speedily cruises along the highway.
2. 2005 Audi TT
High-performance, power-engined and invigorating, the 2005 Audi TT always garners an excellent rating in car reviews. With its awesome windscreen, roll hoops and headlamps, the driver cannot go wrong with this one.
3. 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
Over time, Chevrolet Corvette has proven itself with its remarkable power. Now in its sixth generation, the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is smaller than its older counterparts, but better. With a horsepower of 400, it can go from zero to 60 mph per hour in four seconds. Unbelievable! This makes the Corvette a staple in any summer.
4. 2005 Lexus SC 430
The Lexus SC 430 is inspired by, no less than, the French Riviera. This car can go from coupe to a raging roadster in a span of 25 seconds. It is stylish, glamorous and powerful.
5. 2005 Mazda Miata
This model is pretty affordable for its look and power. This is very dependable and dynamic and it will knock the driver ‘off his feet’. With its reactive suspension and immense horsepower, this convertible sports car is one for the books.
6. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
Charming and cute like any other Beetle, this monster-engined convertible promises an adventurous ride on those lazy summer afternoons.
7. Jaguar XK8 Convertible
Great design, awesome interior, and technologically-advanced, this convertible can bring out the best in every driver. Its speed can go up to 155 mph per hour and the acceleration? Zerp - 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds. Now that's truly incredible!
8. 2006 Cadillac XLR
This is a top-of-the-line convertible sports car, which promises "capacity like no other." It is almost $78,000 but who cares? This is probably the best in the market now.
9. 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster
Test drive this car and see that it is more amazing than its previous version.
All these convertible sports cars are undeniably worth the money and the effort to maintain them.
Tuesday
Find out the best way to buy a sports car
First, before going to a car dealership, buyers should already have an idea of the type of sports car they will be looking for.
Do they want a convertible, a two-seater, a mid-engine sport car, or a luxury sports vehicle? These are questions prospective car buyers need to ask themselves before they start their search. This will make the selection process much easier.
Buyers need to do their homework
It would be best for prospective buyers to do some research ahead of time. Read car magazines, talk to friends and memorize information on those sports vehicles buying guides that they might be interested in buying.
Don't forget to surf the net to get the latest news and information about the various models of sports cars that are on the market.
Compare prices
Pay a visit to a number of car dealerships. Look for special deals and discounts that they might be offering. This way a prospective buyer could get the best possible deal by comparing prices.
Budget
If money is a concern, prospective buyers should set a limit on how much they are going to spend, and stick to it!
Insurance premiums for sports cars tend to be relatively higher. This is reason prospective buyers need to set aside a portion of their budget for insurance. They always need to take into account the cost of: maintenance, operation, and repairs.
Timing is everything
The best time of the year to purchase a new sports car is near the end of the year when car dealerships are holding their annual end of the year sales. This is when dealers try to get rid of old models and try to replace them with new ones. The car dealerships offer especially low rates that they would not normally offer during these ‘end of the year’ sales. So it would be best for customers to take advantage at this time.
Warranty
The warranty is an important part of your decision when buying a car. It is a part of the cost that customers pay for when they make a purchase, they must be sure that the terms of the warranty are satisfactory.
Buying a new sports car doesn't have to be a big headache. It can be fun and exciting, as long as buyers know what they are doing.
This is why they need to prepare ahead of time, before going on a car hunting expedition so that they can own the sports car of their dreams.
Monday
How to Get a Cheap Sports Car
When buying sports cars, the buyer must not only assess his needs and preferences, but more importantly, he must put everything in the context of his budget. Sports cars are generally priced not less than $15,000. However, there are some options available for buying cheaper but valuable sports cars.
Auction
An enthusiastic buyer may want to check out the local auctions that are held in his area. Some good sports cars can be bought cheaply in these auctions. However, the auction arena is not made for the faint-hearted buyer. Just like any other kind of auction, it is a stressful and fast environment. One must attend a couple or more auctions before actually trying to purchase a car from this kind of activity.
Another downside of auctions is that there is no opportunity to test the car. In auctions, people buy cars "as they are."
Car Exchange
Auto Exchange Centers may offer you the best cars at very reasonable prices. Buyers might want to do a little Internet research since car exchange centers do advertise their merchandise on the Internet. Remember that the market for cheap sports cars is a buyers' market, which means that you hold the aces when negotiating prices.
Private Seller
Buyers may also look for private sellers of sports cars. Some people need quick cash in cases of emergency so they are forced to sell their precious cars at very attractive prices. Be aware and watch out for such quality deals.
The problem with dealing with private sellers is that once the purchase is made, the buyer is left on his own. He cannot run back to the seller to complain.
Good Models that no one wants
There are good sports car models out there that are being taken for granted by the market. Because of trends in sports car demand, some of the good ones are being left out. This is a good thing for buyers who are looking for value for their money. Some Jaguar, Austin-Healey and Morgan car models are out there, up for grabs at great prices.
Sports cars are luxury cars, but that does not necessarily mean that they should be expensive. Maybe the best things in life are not for free, but you can get good deals to get them. But at the end of the day, quality should be the main aspect that a buyer must look at in purchasing a cheap sports car.
How to buy the cheapest sports car insurance policy
For most people a sports vehicle is the car of their dreams. The feel of a revving engine and their hair being swept back by the wind as their convertible speeds down on the highway, they feel is a prize worth paying for.
But what if once they acquire the sports car of their dreams, and the thrill of victory dies when they realize that something has gone terribly wrong? They suddenly realize they have blown most of their hard earned cash on the purchase of their new vehicle, not leaving enough for the purchase of car insurance. This is when the hunt for a cheap sports car insurance policy begins!
Some things to remember when looking for cheap sports car insurance:
Shop around the internet for insurance rates
Some of the cheaper sports car insurance rates can be found on the internet. Several insurance companies offer deals and discounts. There are also car insurance companies that offer free insurance estimates online.
Factors in determining cost
Sports cars that are driven in places that are considered to have high crime rates cost more to insure. Sports cars are known to be more often stolen than a non-sports vehicle. Their cost for repairs is relatively higher. This is why the insurance premium for sports vehicles are higher than average.
But if a sports car is equipped with safety features such as car alarm, detachable stereo, and steering wheel lock - the cost to have it insured will be reduced.
Compare prices
Shop around for the cheapest sports car insurance policy. This way you will be able to compare the different deals and offers car insurance companies are offering.
Customers would also know if they are being treated fairly, since they have a basis of comparison from different sources.
It is also a factor how many individuals are to be covered by a particular insurance company. This is why it is imperative to look into different sources for the best deal. Different insurance companies offer different terms and agreements.
There are numerous car insurance companies out that are less expensive sports car insurance.
The key is to find those that are offering discounts and special deals for the specific model of car and one that cover the buyer's needs and specifications. This way the owning a sports car will be an exhilarating experience.