370z rates nearly last on CR's owner satisfaction survey

Jordo!

I agree with all of that -- and I think it's fair to add that, ironically, actual performance is frequently trumped by perceived performance (i.e., more bhp doesn't always mean faster; lighter/tighter turning radius doesn't necessarily mean better in the slalom).

As to looks, although I suggested leaving the FF's and AWD's out of the debate, the very fact that 4-door rally cars -- vehicles that have nothing in common with the aesthetics of a "classic" sports car -- were big players in the sporty car segment speaks volumes on the range of body styles that can be construed as appropriate for a "sports car".

On the other hand, all over the world, sleek FF's are much beloved as sporty (if not "sports") cars, but a lot less so in the US.

Then there's the weird obsession (mainly in the US...) with the physical size of the car. Little cars tend to be associated with less manliness, (which is pretty stupid, but people also tend to like watching heavyweights pummel each other in the ring over watching welterweights). Pony cars are cross shopped by consumers looking for a sporty car simply on the basis of size (a lot of guys don't want a "girly" little car), and, again, ironically, not in regard to how the size helps or hamstrings actual performance.

On that note, in the US in particular, all things being equal, nothing looks more sporty than a high horsepower rating for the car you drive.

How many people have posted about how much they would like the Z35 to have a V8 or turbo? It ain't for looks.

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