How would you define a "Sports Car"?

[NWFRS]

I really enjoy reading about my little 2013 FR-S.

It's my first new car.

Although it doesn't always FEEL like it, it actually outperforms everything I've had before. I've read a lot of negative things about the twins online, and I think the problem is that everyone has a different definition of a "Sports Car". For myself, my little Scion ticks all the right boxes, and in just the right order. I was just wondering what everyone else's thinking was...

Edit: Reading down through the responses, I guess I should have created a few more options. I forgot that the roof type is a priority for some people, number of doors, exclusivity, and the engine and drive layout.

This also made me realize that there's probably a difference between a "Sports Car" and a "Rally Car". I guess I had sort of lumped them together in my own mind. Seems most people here agree that RWD or AWD is one of the defining characteristics of a "Sports Car", but I've always had a soft spot for the Lancia Fulvia and Mini Cooper, which are front-drive. And I've always loved the Lancia Delta Integrale, which is a four-door.

Anyway. I absolutely love my little Scion for it's beautiful low-slung body and great proportions, excellent steering and suspension, light weight, solid cabin roof, cozy interior, front engine rear drive layout and zippy little motor. Forty years ago 100hp per ton was considered perfectly adequate for a sports car or roadster. I think it still is. I'm so happy that Toyota finally gave us another fun car. :-)

[Hanakuso]

2 seater, RWD, lightweight.

[8R6]

RWD is a must. AWD can be too though, but at the very least RWD.
specifically tuned suspension for spirited driving.
specifically tuned steering for spirited driving.
the car's FIRST priority and reason for existence is to experience a spirited and driver/car/road-connected drive.

i used to think it had to be a 2-seater coupe, but does that mean the M3 sedans aren't sports cars? no. but they are basically m3 coupes with extra doors added lol.

i used to think it was all about power and 0-60 and 1/4-mile times, but that doesn't make the shitty neon srt4's a sports car. it doesn't make the cobalt ss a sports car. it doesn't make a civic si a sports car either. they're just quick compact cars that got beefed up. like a buff midget is still a midget at the end of the day.

[gramicci101]

It needs to feel connected to the road. It needs to be responsive and nimble. It needs to be able to get up and go when that's called for.

[fang_gt86]

Doesn't break the bank.

[Prog]

Originally Posted by Hanakuso

2 seater, RWD, lightweight.

I would say this, plus a proportionally* high(ish) HP engine.

* in respect to the car's size/weight, and the technology of the time

[Sarlacc]

Wikipedia has got it nailed as usual:

A sports car (sportscar) is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for spirited performance and nimble handling.
Sports cars may be spartan or luxurious but high maneuverability and minimum weight are requisite.

[MokSpeed]

A combination of everything listed.

[jflogerzi]

Everything listed. FR-S checks all the boxes. Just needs bit more power.

[gramicci101]

Definitely stickers. I put a Type-R sticker on my laptop and now it runs faster.

[Jegan_V]

Sports car is unfortunately a general term. To put it as base as you can get, I'd put the definition as a 2-door car that is well optimized to perform in a motorsports environment. The problem I have with the wikipedia definition is, the GT-R exists...that's a pretty heavy car that manages to perform superbly well on a track. The problem I have with saying only RWD or AWD cars can be sports cars is that ignores the 1990s Lotus Elan...it handles well, its light weight and very capable around a circuit but it has FWD. Its an anomaly as almost every other FWD car isn't a sports car but its existence dampers prevents one from totally excluding them.

[ZionsWrath]

minimum 15 years old
import
coffee can

optional but recommended

stickers
zip ties
unpainted panels

[fatoni]

for me, its all about purpose. when you start dissecting pieces of the whole, thats when very important things fall through the cracks. its this very same nature that gets the frs written off by so many so its a bit surprising to see the same thought process on this forum. when you try to break it down into pieces you can come to some very strange conclusions. for example, my lexus sc400 isnt more of a sports car than my mazdaspeed protege despite having many more of those sports car boxes checked. the gen coupe isnt more sports car than a an evo mr even though there isnt really an objective statement that says it isnt.

the bottom line is, if you want to know if something is a sports car, drive it.

[gramicci101]

Originally Posted by ZionsWrath

minimum 15 years old
import
coffee can

optional but recommended

stickers
zip ties
unpainted panels

R32 Skyline?