# Can Driving a Too-Sporty Car Make You Look Like a Tool? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 17, 2009, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482 "2009-09-17T19:37:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![dangermom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e274bd/32.png) [@dangermom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dangermom)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/41 "2009-09-18T00:08:11Z")
> [@pravnik](#): > > In his defense, the correct spelling was probably already taken. 😃 Heh. I didn’t blame him for the spelling, but the idea of having _venomous_ on a Viper’s license plate, because you’re so cool and slick, was too funny for words. ---
**Author:** ![Argent\_Towers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e8c25b/32.png) [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/42 "2009-09-18T00:12:53Z")
I don’t think a very sporty car necessarily makes one look like a tool; however, I’ve never been able to take Boxsters seriously ever since Ralph on _The Sopranos_ called it “a Porsche with panties.” To me, they just scream “I have no individuality whatsoever.” Doubly so for the Porsche Cayanne. ---
**Author:** ![lobotomyboy63](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobotomyboy63/32/2900_2.png) [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/43 "2009-09-18T00:28:25Z")
No matter what you buy, people can diss it. Classic muscle: How about joining this millenium before its first decade runs out? Solstice: Oh, you wanted something like a Porsche but didn’t have the money. Porsche: My, aren’t you showing off the cash… No matter what you buy, people can lust after it. Classic muscle: Man, simple and elegant…you can backyard mechanic those too. Solstice: It’s about fun, not about showing off how much money you have. Porsche: German engineering, fine taste in cars! IOW buy what you want and don’t worry about what others think. ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/44 "2009-09-18T00:29:43Z")
> [@Inigo\_Montoya](#): > > I was 40 when I bought [this](http://www.marcmedina.com/images/100_0767.JPG). I joked with Mrs. Montoya 1.0 that it was either the car (for $2,500) or I get a hot, young, blonde girlfriend. > … > I’m 42. My main ride is [this](http://specialtycars.cc/sportscars2/v9/index.jpg). And Mrs. Montoya 2.0 (the hot young blonde who came along between cool rides)… So why are you giving us pics of the cars and not her? ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/45 "2009-09-18T00:39:15Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > Yeah, I use it as a daily driver, but I bought it to take to the track. Coming from motorcycles, I wanted the smallest, lightest car possible. I joke that it’s the least car I could find. My favoite thing about the Elise: Elise = $63,610 BMW Z435i = $64,200 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 = $61,595 Corvette LT = $67,535 Just a quick look about my neighborhood for 2009 cars; they’re absolutely not unattainable, they’re sexy as hell, and they’re built for drivers. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/46 "2009-09-18T00:52:57Z")
> [@Xema](#): > > So why are you giving us pics of the cars and not her? [hijack] Can’t get the photobucket link to work… [/hijack] ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/47 "2009-09-18T01:12:55Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > [The finest exotic cars & sports cars for sale | duPont REGISTRY](http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/Search/DRauSearchDetails.aspx?itemid=514437) I drove one of these when I was in my 20s. I’d have to say that the XKE bears the bell away. Among many other accolades, it’s been called “the finest crumpet collector ever designed by the hand of man.” ---
**Author:** ![PatriotGrrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9dc877/32.png) [@PatriotGrrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotGrrrl)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/48 "2009-09-18T01:20:23Z")
> [@HeyHomie](#): > > What say you, Dopers? Does a middle-aged guy driving a sporty coupe make you think “Tool”? No, but letting anyone tell you what not to drive does make you a sheep. And I don’t mean a ram. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/49 "2009-09-18T01:45:21Z")
> [@treis](#): > > The problem with those cars is that they scream “I want a sports car” instead of “I want a car with performance”. I don’t know anything about the Pontiac, but the BMW or Porsche? Really? No performance? The guys you describe would buy Corvettes, I would think. I don’t think it’s fair to assume a middle aged guy with a nice car is a tool. How many 25 year olds can afford to drive a $60k car? A trust fund baby or some douche who’s eating ramen in a crappy apartment so that he can show off what little wealth he has on the road? It seems like most people who can afford to drive nicer cars will be older - and if you wanted a car like a Z4 when you were young, why are you a tool if you want the same car when you’re older? ---
**Author:** ![Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/50 "2009-09-18T01:55:02Z")
> [@St.Anger](#): > > I don’t think it necessarily makes you a tool, unless you drive it like a tool. Or are one of those jerks that takes up four parking spaces in a parking lot because you don’t want anyone parking your car. I have to admit, I also judge aggressive drivers in expensive cars more harshly, because the impression I get is that the driver must be some sort of rich asshole who is entitled to own the road more than me because I am a big fat redneck in a $20,000 pickup truck. > > I know that’s not rational, but that’s my own personal prejudice. [freud voice/] Ve are having ze rrrough day mit regards to ze parkink lotz, und ze taking up of ze many spaces, nein? Ist zere zometink zat ze bik cars und trucks taking up all of ze space zignifies to ju? Vere does ze parking _angst_ arize from, hmm? [/freud] ---
**Author:** ![treis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bc79bd/32.png) [@treis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/treis)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/51 "2009-09-18T02:17:29Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > I don’t know anything about the Pontiac, but the BMW or Porsche? Really? No performance? I wouldn’t call them no performance, but those particular cars aren’t that quick compared to other true sports cars. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/52 "2009-09-18T02:18:59Z")
What roadsters blow them away in performance? Maybe an Elise, which works for you if you’re a midget. ---
**Author:** ![buttonjockey308](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bcef8e/32.png) [@buttonjockey308](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buttonjockey308)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/53 "2009-09-18T02:22:18Z")
Every time I see an old dude in a fast car I think one of two things; first, only old dudes can afford the fasties, second, he’s an old driver and is taking advantage of the new technology and when I’m old, I will have as much car as I can put under me, damn the torpedos. All that said, Corvettes give me the willies, they just have that “Chevrolet; for when not even Viagra works” feel, plus, I grew up as a gear head and child of the 80’s so all the vettes I knew were the cheap, plastic 80’s versions that broke down all the time. For now though, I’ll stick with the Jeep I’ve had my eye on. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/54 "2009-09-18T02:48:00Z")
The BMW 335i is a great car with the sport package. YOU will be the determining factor, not the car, in making it go fast. Easily able to keep up with most of the others mentioned. Infinity G37 coupe looks and performs great as well. Sedan is a sleeper. Fast, luxurious, flat-handling; either can give the BMW a run and you will look like a grownup. I drive an 2006 Acura TSX. Got lots of looks and comments in Italy from gals and guys who value style. New one is unfortunately underpowered and soft. If you go retro, forget the muscle cars; I see you in a tricked out VW Microbus with the paisley flower scheme.:)🙂 Awesome dude!! What ever you do, ditch the open shirt with big gold chain look. Well, unless it’s a late 80’s Testarossa; then it’s required. ---
**Author:** ![Oredigger77](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oredigger77/32/3181_2.png) [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/55 "2009-09-18T03:06:15Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > What roadsters blow them away in performance? Maybe an Elise, which works for you if you’re a midget. It depends on what performance you’re looking for but how about the Viper SRT-10 roadster with 600 hp, 560 ft-lbs of torque and 0-60 in under 4 sec. The Corvette Z06 isn’t even the top end model and has 505 hp, 470 ft-lbs of torque and can also go 0-60 in 3.6 sec. For comparison the Elise is just under 5 sec on the 0-60 so there are lots of sports cars that can blow them away. ETA: the 335i is about 6 sec in the 0-60. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/56 "2009-09-18T03:26:30Z")
PUT EVERY PENNY INTO THE LOTTERY RIGHT NOW! You need to win the bucks and buy your car in your pre-Tool days. ---
**Author:** ![Spud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spud/32/347_2.png) [@Spud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spud)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/57 "2009-09-18T03:26:37Z")
I’m 48 and I drive this [http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/mustangtuning/2006-mustang-gt-convertible-vista-blue.jpg](http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/mustangtuning/2006-mustang-gt-convertible-vista-blue.jpg) . I really don’t care what anyone thinks of me. I wanted a convertible sports car since I was a little kid, and my Dad had a 1970 Mustang (the same color) that I thought was the coolest car in the world. After 15 or so years of driving a mini-van I decided it was now or never. I didn’t even tell my wife until it was in the garage. My teenage daughter hates it because she thinks it is a “show off” car, but my boys are already fighting over who gets it. My wife claims she is indifferent, but I’ve never seen it going faster down our residential street then when she drives it (and my boys tell me she loves to rev the engine). Again though, I really don’t care what anyone else thinks. It fullfills a childhood dream, and I’ve never had so much fun with a car before. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/58 "2009-09-18T03:31:33Z")
The Australian version of Top Gear tried out various combinations of men (at various ages and of various styles) and cars and did surveys of what women thought of them. One of the most interesting and distinct results was that a middle aged man in a Porsche rated notably low (ie high wanker factor presumably) but middle aged man in a Porsche with a blonde in the passenger seat rated very high (success!). So the OP perhaps needs to think about who will be riding with him. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/59 "2009-09-18T04:25:29Z")
> [@Xema](#): > > I’d have to say that the XKE bears the bell away. Among many other accolades, it’s been called “the finest crumpet collector ever designed by the hand of man.” Not for me. When I had it I dated a girl who was 2nd in Miss Detroit, another was 2nd in Miss State Fair and another who was 2nd in Miss TipToppers. So I just dated losers. ---
**Author:** ![ianjohnson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/a3d4f5/32.png) [@ianjohnson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ianjohnson)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482/60 "2009-09-18T05:10:43Z")
The problem with the Porsche is that in movies and TV it is the archetypal “rich asshole” car. If he has money, blond hair, a sweater around his neck and is trying to get your girl, then chances are he drives a Porsche too. Most likely a 911. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-driving-a-too-sporty-car-make-you-look-like-a-tool/510482.md?page=4)