# 2nd most popular sports car? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 25, 2003, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357 "2003-05-25T04:26:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/21 "2003-05-28T18:10:51Z")
As to the General Question; is the answer: 1. Chevrolet Corvette (over 1,000,000) 2. Mazda Miata (over 500,000) 3. MGB ([512,243](http://www.mgcars.org.uk/carclub/technical-5.htm) ? ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/22 "2003-05-28T18:55:57Z")
**amarone** (how is that pronounced? “A moron?” 😃 Just kidding!) YES! FIAT! They ROCK, BABY! Nice link, **Jeff Olsen**! Unfortunatly, none of them are red, the only proper color for an Italian sports car! (Mine’s red, ya know?) Mine is like top picture. Except for the color. And the interior is tan. And mine isn’t as nice. And my wheels are kinda dirty. Well, okay. Its not much like the top picture except for it is of an Italian car. One of the coolest cars I have owner/driven. I’m headed to NAPA today to pick her up a new battery. * * * Fagjunk Theology: Not just for sodomite propagandists anymore. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/23 "2003-05-28T20:28:36Z")
Yeah, **gatopescado**. There were two Fiat Spiders, and one tired old 500, in the family when I was a kid. Not all at the same time, though. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/24 "2003-05-28T20:31:09Z")
I’ll have to go with Miata != sports car crowd. But the deffinitions get wierd. Corvette is a sports car. Mustang depends on the model. MACH1, Shelby, Boss Cobra are sports cars to me. The fox body 5.0 also pushes slightly into sports car for me. The rest are pony cars, but I would never call them GT. Camaros are similar, with some sports, most pony. Miata is a roadster as are some Porsches, Ferrari’s and MGBs. GTs are some Lexuses, Infinitis, and 84+ 8 cyl T-Birds. Those are just my thoughts though. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/25 "2003-05-28T21:45:01Z")
For the purposes of this thread (even if you don’t agree): Roadsters are sports cars. GTs and “pony cars” are not sports cars. High horsepower is not necessary for a car to be a sports car. The Miata is a roadster, and therefore should be considered a sports car. The Corvette is a sports car. The Mustang is more of a GT, and not a sports car. The Shelby Cobra (not the Mustang) is a roadster and a sports car. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/26 "2003-05-28T23:17:33Z")
The Karmann Ghia is a sports car, albeit a very slow one. ---
**Author:** ![dead0man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/edb3f5/32.png) [@dead0man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dead0man)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/27 "2003-05-29T02:09:30Z")
The karmann Ghia is more of a sports car than any Mustang or Camaro. I agree the C1 Corvette and the C5 Corvette are sports cars and probably the C2. But all that crap inbetween, you are going to have to convince me of that. The C4 was a GT in every since of the word right? Like a 928 or even the Z cars of the same time frame. The mid 80s were bad for sports cars. The MR2 and the RX-7, maybe the Supra. Of course you still could get a 911 or a Fiat Spyder, but I didn’t see many of either of those in the semi-rural midwest. ---
**Author:** ![amarone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e0b2c6/32.png) [@amarone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarone)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/28 "2003-05-29T04:33:26Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by gatopescado \* > \*\ ***amarone** (how is that pronounced? “A moron?” 😃 Just kidding!) \*\* Well, it is an Italian word (like Fiat and Ferrari, I suppose), so you have to pronounce the final vowel as a syllable. “A moron, eh?” is probably close enough. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/29 "2003-05-31T22:16:57Z")
How can you not classify the 1990’s era Camaros as sports cars? Even the base models had tight suspension tuned for the track, and engines over 200hp. They had no back seats to speak of, the catalytic converter intruded on the front passenger’s legs, etc. And, the Z-28’s performance was only a hair behind the Vette’s. I think the 240Z-260Z, and 280Z definitely qualify as sports cars. In fact, they are some of the best low cost sports cars ever made. With the ZX models, Nissan moved away from pure sports, and back into GT and touring cars. But the later 300ZX’s would have to be considered sports cars by any measure. Their performance was outstanding, even by today’s standards. ---
**Author:** ![Beagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/85f322/32.png) [@Beagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beagle)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/30 "2003-05-31T23:04:11Z")
A true sports car, IMO, has two seats and is built to handle, go, and stop. It’s not for hauling or towing. That’s it really. The only other criterion that’s pretty important is some kind of removable roof. I’d add a manual transmission. Of course, now there are paddle shifters, manumatics, CVTs, etc. I’m just old school, I guess. Sports cars: Corvette, Viper, Miata, Toyota makes one, BMW Z3, M Roadster, Z4, Z8, Ferraris by the handful, Panoz, The new Porsche (drool), Opel Speedsters (for Euros), Vauxhalls (also for Euros), Lotus (mostly for Euros), Lamborghinis, etc. Of course we used to have the RX-7 and many others. (The RX-8 seats 4) Even though The McLaren F1 seats three, I’m absolutely including it. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/31 "2003-05-31T23:49:28Z")
Cameros strike me as too big and not nimble enough to be soprts cars. More of a GT. > [@](#): > > The new Porsche (drool) I really like Porsches. I used to have a 911SC, and it was the most fun to drive of any car I’ve had. The new 911-996(?) lost some looks when it got the Boxster front end and lost those voluptuous flairs. But I’d still have one (dark blue with a grey interior) before a 911-993 just because mechanically they are supposed to be the best Porsches ever. I’d also like to have a 1969 Porsche 911 Targa (red) with the zip-out rear window. ---
**Author:** ![Dodeca\_Aww\_Hell\_With\_It](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/13edae/32.png) [@Dodeca\_Aww\_Hell\_With\_It](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dodeca_Aww_Hell_With_It)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2003, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/32 "2003-06-01T00:12:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Dark Brown \* > \*\*My vote goes to the Z car. I don’t have a cite, but I always thought it was the second best selling car of all time (behind VW Beetle). \*\* The Z isn’t even close to 2nd place. I think that goes to the Ford Model T. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2003, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/33 "2003-06-01T00:22:15Z")
The Model T wasn’t a sports car. I was wondering what the first-, second-, and third-largest selling sports car is. ---
**Author:** ![Beagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/85f322/32.png) [@Beagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beagle)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2003, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/34 "2003-06-01T01:24:53Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Johnny L.A. \* > \*\*I really like Porsches. I used to have a 911SC, and it was the most fun to drive of any car I’ve had. The new 911-996(?) lost some looks when it got the Boxster front end and lost those voluptuous flairs. But I’d still have one (dark blue with a grey interior) before a 911-993 just because mechanically they are supposed to be the best Porsches ever. I’d also like to have a 1969 Porsche 911 Targa (red) with the zip-out rear window. \*\* Got $400,000 laying around? If so, buy [this](http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=19&article_id=6643). > [@](#): > > 2004 PORSCHE CARRERA GT > > Vehicle type: mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door roadster > Estimated base price: $410,000 > Engine type: DOHC 40-valve V-10, aluminum block and heads, 2 Bosch Motronic ME7.1.1 engine- control systems with port fuel injection > > Displacement: 350 cu in, 5733cc > Power (SAE net): 604 bhp @ 8000 rpm > Torque (SAE net): 435 lb-ft @ 5750 rpm > Transmission: 6-speed manual > Wheelbase: 107.5 in > Length: 181.6 in > Width: 75.6 in > Height: 45.9 in > Curb weight: 3050 lb > > C/D-estimated performance > > Zero to 60 mph: 3.5 sec > Standing 1/4-mile: 10.9 sec @ 131 mph > Top speed (drag limited): 205 mph Then, in appreciation for me pointing it out, let me drive you around a couple days. Or, buy a [Saleen SR 7](http://www.motorcars-intl.com/saleen.html). > [@](#): > > Something for the ultra-enthusiast the Saleen S7 supercar debuted at Monterey historic Automobile Races Aug. 20. The purpose-built sports car is fitted with a 550-hp 7.0-liter aluminum V8 that also boasts 520 lb-ft of torque. Saleen estimates sub-four-second 0-to-60 times and speeds in excess of 200 mph. It has 500 lb/ft at **3000** RPM. Shifting would be optional. ---
**Author:** ![Dodeca\_Aww\_Hell\_With\_It](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/13edae/32.png) [@Dodeca\_Aww\_Hell\_With\_It](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dodeca_Aww_Hell_With_It)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2003, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/35 "2003-06-01T02:48:11Z")
More then 7 million Mustangs have been sold since the car was introduced in 1964 ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2003, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/36 "2003-06-01T04:06:59Z")
I see someone hasn’t been paying attention. ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2003, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/37 "2003-06-01T04:38:28Z")
From [this page](http://members.aol.com/KarlWS/zhistory.html), the claim is made: > [@](#): > > The 1990 300-ZX Turbo is named Motor Trend’s “Import Car of the Year”. Motor Trend also names it, “One of the Top Ten Performance Cars”. Automobile Magazine honors the 300-ZX/300-ZX Turbo as its “Design of the Year”, and names the 300-ZX Turbo to its “All Stars” list. Road & Track names the 300-ZX Turbo “One of the Ten Best Cars in the World”. Car and Driver names the 300-ZX Turbo “One of the Ten Best Cars”. **American Z-car sales reach the one million sales mark in the 1990 model year, making it the all-time best selling sports car.** Is the Z car a sports car? Consider that Paul Newman won in a 280-ZX two years in a row, and: > [@](#): > > A race-modified Z wins both the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours at Sebring. It goes on to win the GTS Class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, making it the only car ever to accomplish such a record within the same year. And for the fifth straight year, the 300-ZX Turbo is named to the “Ten Best” and “All Stars” lists by Car and Driver and Automobile Magazine, respectively. That’s a sports car. ---
**Author:** ![Rocketeer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocketeer/32/4437_2.png) [@Rocketeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocketeer)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2003, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/38 "2003-06-02T15:19:24Z")
Okay, from a briefing file from the Mazda corporate website, I see that cumulative Miata/MX5 production through 2001 was 623862; from a forum on [miata.net](http://miata.net), I get a figure of 40754 for 2002 production, so the total number of Miatas produced through 2002 is 664616. ---
**Author:** ![Phatlewt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a698b9/32.png) [@Phatlewt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phatlewt)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2003, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/39 "2003-06-02T15:43:47Z")
Not to drag this off topic, but to those posters who don’t consider the Miata a sports car, I’m curious why. Is it strictly an issue of horsepower? While I agree that 142hp isn’t much, even considering the vehicle weighs in at about 2,400 pounds, (2003 models.) but roadsters are about handling, not power. Would you say the Fiat Spyder isn’t a sports car? It had less power than a Miata. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2003, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357/40 "2003-06-02T16:35:56Z")
> [@](#): > > While I agree that 142hp isn’t much… roadsters are about handling, not power. Quite. FWIW, the MGB had 95 hp in its 1800cc engine. (Which was reduced in the 1970s because of ever-more-strict emissions laws in the U.S.) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-most-popular-sports-car/177357.md?page=3)