Comparing exotic cars vs. supercars is like choosing between premium fragrances, elite fashion designers, and luxury hotels. It’s not a matter of which cars you want in your dream garage; it’s about having unlimited funds to purchase them all and swap them out on a whim. But like all the fine things in life, there are subtle variances between the upscale makes and models that comprise the elite in the automotive world.
The guide below teases out the differences between exotics and supercars, discussing some of the most amazing works of automotive genius to grace any pavement. To add to our discussion of high-priced automobiles, we’ll also distinguish between sports cars and hypercars to—somewhat—set the record straight. If you want to enhance your car’s interior and make it smell like a luxury vehicle, check out Drift’s signature car fresheners.
What is an Exotic Car?
There are several ways to distinguish exotic cars from supercars, but one of the best foundational ways to discuss them is in the context of domestic and foreign automotive manufacturers. Although some manufacturers sell the same vehicle in the U.S. and abroad—albeit under a different nameplate—others are exclusive to countries outside the U.S. Until recently, MINI Cooper and FIAT were considered exotic vehicles because they weren’t available for purchase in America.
Does that mean your average MINI or FIAT is an exotic car? Not necessarily, as the other half of the exotic equation incorporates exclusivity. Such rarity is also often accompanied by luxurious—and often expensive—features.
Exotic cars are vehicles you don’t normally see on a daily basis, equipped with advanced features that don’t typically come standard on even the highest trims of more commonplace cars. Take the Rolls-Royce starlight headliner featured in the Wraith or the Bentley Continental GT’s rotating dashboard. If it doesn’t border on excessively luxurious, it doesn’t befit an exotic car.
By any of these definitions, the cars driven by James Bond would qualify as exotic. The Aston Martin DB5, featured in several installments, has a champagne refrigerator, an oil-ejecting device, and a passenger-ejector seat. We can’t forget the Lotus Esprit S1, Roger Moore’s submersible exotic equipped with all manner of spy-centric devices.
What is a Supercar?
Some might argue that James Bond’s fleet of exotic cars also falls into the category of supercars. After all, supercars carry the same prefix as superheroes—or super spies, for that matter. If we apply that same logic to the idea of a supercar, it’s only natural to consider it an envelope-pushing vehicle that goes beyond the normal call of duty.
When speaking of supercars and their ability to exceed expectations, the engine’s capabilities often come to mind. Massive engine output makes for a mighty supercar that can dominate the straightaways, but agility and poise allow it to sprint effortlessly around the track. Suspension and weight balance also play a significant role.
Supercars also push the limits of high-end materials and craftsmanship. As sleek and curvy as they may look, their sumptuous interiors and intricate details elevate them beyond what you’d see in a mass-produced car. The design, the overall fit and function, and the cohesiveness of every element add something extra.
Exotic Cars vs. Supercars: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between exotic cars vs. supercars lies in their purpose. Cars gain an exotic status based on their origins and exclusivity, while supercars can theoretically be found in any automotive manufacturer’s lineup—so long as they push the limits in some form or fashion. Car buyers don’t necessarily purchase an exotic vehicle that is the fastest or most powerful, but supercars can just as easily come from a domestic brand as a foreign automotive manufacturer.
Despite their differences, exotic cars and supercars are also very similar. Admittedly, they’re not necessarily as practical as your average car on the road, and they tend to cost a lot more, making them more exclusive to a certain type of buyer. However, they’re also more powerful and capable, making them even more desirable to enthusiasts worldwide.
Where Do Sports Cars and Hypercars Fit In?
If exotic cars are foreign-made and exclusive, while supercars push every limit, where do sports cars and hypercars place in this hierarchy? The truth is that, like the distinction between exotic cars vs. supercars, the lines between all four categories are fuzzy at best. Plenty of exotic cars are also hypercars, and several sports cars were supercars in their heyday.
However, the most prevalent term is “sports car,” which describes a vehicle driven purely for entertainment. Men and women purchase and own sports cars to express their driving spirit, whether that’s through a convertible Mazda Miata that races up Pacific Coast Highway or a low-slung Chevrolet Corvette that attends more car shows than track days. Sports cars exist for the pure thrill of going fast and looking good doing it.
Hypercars, on the other hand, put a bit more skin into the game. These bespoke cars push the limits like supercars, but they’re the elite of the elite, the top of the top tier, the vehicle that makes you really question what it means to get behind the wheel. After all, most hypercars cost more than most people make in their lifetimes—and require an even bigger investment to cover maintenance and repairs.
A Dream Car By Any Other Name
The debate between exotic cars vs. supercars may seem superfluous if you can’t afford either, but that doesn’t mean you have to hang up your dreams of owning one someday. They say you should dress for the job you want, so why not infuse your car with luxurious scents to make it smell like the type of car you desire? Join the Scent of the Month Club to receive premium Drift car freshener scents every month until you can afford the car of your dreams.
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