Does a Sports Car Make You Happy?

Whether a sports car can bring you joy depends largely on whether you're a car enthusiast and enjoy the experience of driving one. The question of whether something 'makes you happy' is often more of a subjective measure than an objective one.

Why I Love Driving Sports Cars

For me, sports cars are more than just a mode of transportation. They are an extension of my personality, a source of adrenaline and excitement, and a way to escape the stresses of daily life. I love how they respond to my inputs—every turn of the wheel, every shift in gear, every acceleration delivers a pure, visceral experience. If you're not a car enthusiast or don't appreciate the nuances of driving, then a sports car might just be a luxury you can't fully appreciate.

Personal Preference and Enthusiasm

When I talk about driving a sports car, it's not just about the thrill of the speed. It's about the experience of total engagement with the vehicle. If you've ever driven a car that's not designed for enthusiasts, you know that missing the satisfaction of a sports car is a significant loss. You never find yourself wishing for a bigger, heavier, slower, or less involving car. That's because the joy lies in the control, the power, and the responsive driving dynamics.

A Difficult Day and a Driveway Escape

Let me tell you about a particularly grueling day I had. I was jumping from one meeting to another, managing problems, and facing challenges that seemed insurmountable. By the end of the day, I was feeling rather cranky. To lift my spirits, I decided to drive my 30-some year-old Porsche 944S2 home. It may not be a perfect example, with its worn-out state and the need for some work, but the moment I hit the on-ramp, my mood lifted. The rasp of the exhaust, the satiety of its performance, all contributed to a sense of escapism from the office stress.

The joy of driving a sports car is also influenced by its size. Being tall (6.2 with shoes, 6.3 without) can make it difficult to fit into smaller cars. For instance, I've had to crawl out of Ferraris like a crab on the floor. Despite this, I still find joy in driving them. The true test of a sports car is its performance. If you want to feel like you're driving a sports car, you need a car that acts like one. Modern sports cars, like my RS6 or the BMW X5M, come in sedans with over 600 horsepower, making them daily drivers that are not just powerful but also handle like a dream. My BMW X5M, weighing about 5500 pounds with advanced suspension and power bumped to around 750hp, is a testament to the performance of modern sports cars.