Mainly, when high-performance exotic cars are discussed, there exist two major categories that tend to confuse many; these being the hypercars and supercars. While similar in nature, offering fantastic speeds, luxury, and cost, both kinds of vehicles have some key differences between them.
We are going to shine a light on those key differences in this blog and help you understand what makes those two so different. Why is there a wall between the terms “Hypercar” and “Supercar”? And should this distinction even exist, given how they stack up against each other.
Supercar
A supercar is essentially a high performance sports car. These cars are not only a means of transportation but also symbols of luxury, status, and engineering marvels. By definition, supercars are outlined by their sleek, aerodynamic silhouettes, complemented with high-performance engines that assure fast acceleration and top speed.
These are usually built in very small numbers. The interior is generally made of high class trim to provide comfort and class comparable to the very best luxury cars. Supercars possess fantastic designs. Yet they also have high performance engines with the most advanced technologies. Popular examples include Ferrari 488 GTB, Lamborghini Aventador, and Porsche 911 GT2 RS.
Hypercar
Hypercars are the pinnacle of automotive engineering no matter from what angle you look at it. This is where boundaries are pushed to the edge. These ultra exotic cars are exemplified by unimaginable performance, astronomical price tags, and highly limited production runs.
A hypercar is the final boss among supercars. It has leveled up both in performance and price, along with exclusivity. Most hypercars are hand-assembled in rather limited numbers. They can feature hybrid or electric propulsion. Many can manage to cut through the air with over 320 KM per hour. The most famous hypercars are the Bugatti Chiron, the Koenigsegg Agera, and the Rimac Nevera.
Key Differences
- Performance: Most hypercars are much more powerful and faster compared to supercars. They usually are fitted with electric or hybrid engines, with much higher torque and horsepower. Higher torque equals more power. More power equals more performance which further leads to more speed.
- Price: Hypercars are a lot more costly compared to supercars. They run in multiples of crores, whereas supercars usually run in lakhs. This price is justified by the craftsmanship done on these cars along with the performance that they can offer. They simply remain unparalleled in terms of price.
- Exclusivity: Hypercars are more exclusive compared to supercars. Many of them are built in very limited numbers, and only a few buyers may be able to access them. It is done so for a reason. These cars take so much time to make and fine tune, that it is simply impossible to do so on a massive scale.
- Technology: Most of the time, hypercars boast of more advanced technology than supercars. They may be specified with proprietary self-driving, advanced driver assistance systems, and progressive entertainment systems. You may ask, “Why is that the case?” For hypercars to exist in a tier above your average supercar they have to be on the cutting edge of technology. If not, they will be left in the dust.
Conclusion
In the high-performance car world, the line is usually very fuzzy between hypercars and supercars since all of them have a relationship in terms of speed, luxury, and exclusivity. A more exacting look, however, makes certain subtle yet significant differences much more clear.
Supercars may be less radical compared to hypercars but are nonetheless special in their own right, since the niche targeted is one of performance, luxury, and style. While not as “raw-power-on-wheels” or “ultra-exclusive” like the most extreme exotic hypercars, they still represent the top of automotive accomplishment for most car enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the choice between a hypercar and a supercar has to do with personal priorities and preference. The former group might be enchanted by the ultimate motorsport feeling, no matter the price tag or how few models are in supply. For those coveting class-leading performance and luxury but appreciating an attainable option, supercars provide an interesting alternative.
Also Read: The Legacy of Muscle Cars