# Does a Camaro w/ Auto Trans = a Sports Car? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 16, 2014, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609 "2014-05-16T21:30:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Krouget](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b38774/32.png) [@Krouget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Krouget)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2014, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/102 "2014-05-20T16:42:51Z")
Missed edit window for the above > [@Sterling\_Archer](#): > > Porsche 911 – not a sports car. Boxster and Cayman are sports cars, the 911 is larger and has a backseat so it is a slight compromise. You’re brave.🙂 > [@](#): > > Mazda RX-7 / RX-8: RX-8 is not a sports car, it has 4 doors and a backseat. All RX-7’s qualify. Just to throw a wrench into this argument, the Japanese market RX-7s [had a back seat option](http://www.fd3s.net/rear_seats.html) (uncomfortable as hell, but it existed). It didn’t adversely affect the performance, and certainly less than a passenger would. Meanwhile, the Mclaren F1 had three seats, with the driver sitting center for obvious reasons. The configuration and addition of the seats actually balanced the weight distribution of the car, throwing any hard definition surrounding seating, completely away. All in all, the simple fact is that most of these terms took on definitions to… **sell** …cars to people who don’t know much about them. That enthusiasts argue about what is and isn’t, is interesting, because at the end of the day, we can pretty much point out a performance car vs a non-performance car, in whatever category of performance it participates. ---
**Author:** ![MacTech](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2014, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/103 "2014-05-20T17:53:23Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > Yes, but that’s incidental. Their handling is not what moves them out of the dealerships. The same is true for Ferraris, as far as I’m concerned. Depends on the Ferrari in question, any of the modern ferraris with all the automation crap and flappy-paddle gearbox? Rolling status symbol, nothing more, a classic F40 with no nannyware, no automation, and a true three pedal manual? Perhaps one of the last truly great Ferraris and a REAL Supercar ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2014, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/104 "2014-05-20T18:34:00Z")
… except that a modern namby-pamby Ferrari, even a 458, will run rings around the F40. ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2014, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/105 "2014-05-20T20:10:26Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > Last month I traded it in for a '14 Corvette, also a sports car in my opinion. I hope it’s not the Stingray (aka C7), because then **Amateur Barbarian** would beg to differ: those weigh [3,298 pounds](http://www.slashgear.com/corvette-c7-ups-c6-weight-by-90-pounds-technology-not-feather-light-02280316/) – seven pounds more than the 370Z, which we already know isn’t a sports car because of its weight. 😉 > [@steronz](#): > > Touring cars (Nissan 370z, BMW M3/4/5/6, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Mercedes SL) I don’t know why it bothers me to see the Z lumped in with the Genesis Coupe, but it does. The Genesis would be more comparable to the Honda Accord V6 Coupe, no? (I had an Accord V6 coupe until I got the Z, and I’ll tell you that _those_ two cars _definitely_ don’t belong in the same category.) Actually, I _do_ know why it bothers me: because I still believe that the Z is a sports car. YOU CAN’T TAKE MY SPORTS CAR AWAY FROM MEEEEEE! ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2014, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/106 "2014-05-20T20:29:52Z")
The Genesis Coupe is closer to the 370Z because both are RWD cars with similar wheel base. The Accord is FWD. Also, the suspension on the Genesis is a much sportier set up. In fact, GC’s come in track specific models from factory in both the 2.0T and 3.8L variants. The 370Z is a much nicer looking car however. I have no idea how the two compare on the track. Also, just saw the new '14 Stingray. While I’ve never been a fan of the C3 thru C6 models, the C7 took me by surprise in that it’s a much improved design over the previous models. Can’t tell if it’s still Cpt. Plastic Fantastic though. ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2014, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/107 "2014-05-20T20:36:22Z")
> [@Misnomer](#): > > I don’t know why it bothers me to see the Z lumped in with the Genesis Coupe, but it does. The Genesis would be more comparable to the Honda Accord V6 Coupe, no? (I had an Accord V6 coupe until I got the Z, and I’ll tell you that _those_ two cars _definitely_ don’t belong in the same category.) The Genesis has a useless rear seat, but otherwise is basically a Korean knock-off of the Z-car. RWD, V6 (optional), 3500 lbs, 348 horsepower, $29,100 MSRP, compared to RWD, V6, 3300 lbs, 332 horsepower, $29,500 MSRP The Accord coupe, on the other hand, is FWD, is larger, has a usable rear seat, weighs about the same as the Z but is down on power by about 50. You could make an argument that it’s a touring car, but I don’t think there’s a lot of people who cross shop the two. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2014, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/108 "2014-05-20T20:51:49Z")
> [@MacTech](#): > > Depends on the Ferrari in question, any of the modern ferraris with all the automation crap and flappy-paddle gearbox? Rolling status symbol, nothing more, a classic F40 with no nannyware, no automation, and a true three pedal manual? Perhaps one of the last truly great Ferraris and a REAL Supercar Except when you compare the F40 to the [250 GTO](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_250_GTO), right?. Because everybody knows the 250 GTO was the pinnacle and anything Ferrari did after that was for posers. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2014, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/109 "2014-05-20T21:41:42Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Except when you compare the F40 to the [250 GTO](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_250_GTO), right?. Because everybody knows the 250 GTO was the pinnacle and anything Ferrari did after that was for posers. 😉 The 250’s only purpose was to provide a donor chassis for the P330, which even Enzo thought was the pinnacle of anything Ferrari had done. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2014, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/110 "2014-05-20T21:58:15Z")
> [@Amateur\_Barbarian](#): > > The 250’s only purpose was to provide a donor chassis for the P330, which even Enzo thought was the pinnacle of anything Ferrari had done. Here’s another interesting fact. The [330 GT](http://www.autoevolution.com/news/enzos-favorite-ferrari-is-up-for-sale-photo-gallery-58502.html) was a [2+2](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_330) with a reasonably usable trunk for the size of car it was. Curb weight of just under 3200lb. So, according to some, not a sports car. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2014, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/111 "2014-05-20T22:07:51Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Here’s another interesting fact. The [330 GT](http://www.autoevolution.com/news/enzos-favorite-ferrari-is-up-for-sale-photo-gallery-58502.html) was a [2+2](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_330) with a reasonably usable trunk for the size of car it was. Curb weight of just under 3200lb. So, according to some, not a sports car. 😉 The [Supercars.net](http://Supercars.net) article I glanced at before writing the above noted that the 330 “was the last Ferrari that still resembled a sports car.” So there. ---
**Author:** ![epbrown01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ba0ec/32.png) [@epbrown01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown01)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2014, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/112 "2014-05-20T23:25:43Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Here’s another interesting fact. The [330 GT](http://www.autoevolution.com/news/enzos-favorite-ferrari-is-up-for-sale-a-58502.html) was a [2+2](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_330) with a reasonably usable trunk for the size of car it was. Curb weight of just under 3200lb. So, according to some, not a sports car. 😉 It’s a grand tourer - it’s right there in the name! :smack: ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2014, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/113 "2014-05-21T11:41:53Z")
> [@epbrown01](#): > > It’s a grand tourer - it’s right there in the name! :smack: Ah, finally! An expert. So [Ford GT](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_GT), not a sports car? ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2014, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/114 "2014-05-21T12:29:27Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Ah, finally! An expert. > > So [Ford GT](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_GT), not a sports car? It’s an appropriate moniker for a car that was designed to compete in the Grand Touring class at LeMans. As for whether or not the Ford GT is really a grand tourer, that depends on whether or not you think the LMP cars are really prototypes for potential production models. It’s probably best not to get too hung up on naming conventions for racing cars. The 330GT, to my eyes, is a true grand tourer. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2014, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/115 "2014-05-21T12:38:03Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > It’s probably best not to get too hung up on naming conventions for racing cars. Which is what I’ve been suggeting for all cars in general. Whether it’s in the name or not in the name, the definition of a sports car is almost entirely subjective. > [@steronz](#): > > The 330GT, to my eyes, is a true grand tourer. And since we’ve not conclusively defined “sports car” as a specific engine/body/configuration type, couldn’t it be classified as both? ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2014, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/116 "2014-05-21T12:47:06Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > And since we’ve not conclusively defined “sports car” as a specific engine/body/configuration type, couldn’t it be classified as both? On the internet!?!?! I’m not sure we can agree to that 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2014, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/117 "2014-05-21T12:58:42Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > On the internet!?!?! I’m not sure we can agree to that 🙂 Yeah, this interwebs thing has been a disappointment from the start. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![epbrown01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ba0ec/32.png) [@epbrown01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown01)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2014, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/118 "2014-05-21T13:05:49Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Ah, finally! An expert. > > So [Ford GT](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_GT), not a sports car? No more than the Carrera GT from Porsche, built with similar intent. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2014, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/119 "2014-05-21T13:21:26Z")
Okay, that’s just about all the silliness I can take on the subject. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2014, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/120 "2014-05-21T13:33:37Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Okay, that’s just about all the silliness I can take on the subject. 😛 Sports cars, being British by heritage, are inherently silly. Gedovahit. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2014, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609/121 "2014-05-21T13:37:29Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > It’s an appropriate moniker for a car that was designed to compete in the Grand Touring class at LeMans. There was no “GT” class at Le Mans in the sixties. The GT40 competed in the FIA World Sportscar Championship in Group 6 (sports prototypes) and was subclassed into Division III at Le Mans. The modern FIA GT1-3 categories didn’t exist until the mid-nineties or so. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-camaro-w-auto-trans-a-sports-car/688609.md?page=7)