If you are passionate about driving, you can choose from the many types of cars that manufacturers have on offer. For instance, you can choose a luxury car, a hypercar, and even a mega car. Driving a vehicle like this makes you happier, especially if you are seriously into cars. But, what are supercars, hypercars, megacars vs luxury cars?
You might ask yourself this question when trying to decide what car to rent or buy. The answer is simple. You get the chance to drive a highly performant, powerful, and technologically advanced vehicle, and a lucky 1% of drivers if you drive any of these cars.
If you want to know more about what’s the hype with supercars, hypercars, megacars, and luxury cars, read this article. After you do, it will be easier for you to go to a car rental company and say what you exactly want. Moreover, you can choose your model and manufacturer confidently.
What Is A Super Car?
Also named an exotic car, a supercar is a highly performant vehicle you’re allowed to legally drive on the streets. Supercars are usually flagship models for their manufacturers and feature technology that improves their performance. You can compare them with sports cars, which offer great speeds and acceleration.
The first supercar to ever enter the market was the Lamborghini Miura. This vehicle was produced starting in 1966 and until 1973. Even if the term “supercar” was not defined until the ’70s and the ’80s, at least people had the Miura as the standard of supremacy.
According to interpretations from past and present determinations, a supercar must be very fast to begin with. Further, it must be handled like an exceptional sports car.
When it comes to production and selling, everything must be exclusive. Now you know why Lamborghini or Ferrari don’t sell just to anyone.
What Is A HyperCar?
Perhaps you have also heard about hypercars all over the internet or in the media. Most likely, you have seen pictures of hypercars too. But if you dream about driving such a vehicle, things might not be so easy. Simply put, hypercars are not easily accessible at all.
But let’s see what a hypercar is. A hypercar belongs to the top range of the world’s most performant cars. It’s built with supreme technology and has outstanding designs. The first hypercar was a 6.7-liter Bentley Ensign. Times was the first newspaper to use the term “hypercar”.
Just like supercars, hyper cars are also exclusive. In other words, their manufacturers won’t sell them to anyone. Their costs are in the millions, whereas the maximum price for one is 13.4 million to date. Yes, you read it right. This is how much the Bugatti La Voiture Noise costs.
What Is A Mega Car?
A megacar provides more power than a hypercar. The “mega car” idea was launched for the first time back in 2015. This was when Koenigsegg launched their 1,500 horsepower Regera, which they tried to sell for only 1.9 million.
Simply put, any mega car should have a very high-power output.
The term “mega car” is newer than the terms “super-car” and “hyper-car”. A mega car is more luxurious than any other type of car out there, not to mention incredibly performant. Performance and design advanced with time, as consumers wanted even more from mega cars.
CarThrottle and Business Insider try defining mega cars in many ways. Many publications were bold enough to describe these types of vehicles using big words. However, only Koenigsegg managed to define the mega car in the real sense, by manufacturing and selling it exclusively.
What Is A Luxury Car?
A luxury car is a type of car that provides high-end comfort levels, equipment, and features. Anyone can buy a luxury car if they can afford it. In other words, luxury car manufacturers don’t make vehicles for exclusive buyers, but they can have a line or touch of hyper- or super-cars.
People who buy luxury cars instead of regular ones get better build quality and performance. On the other hand, they must pay a higher price for their vehicle. Luxury car brands offer more than premium car brands. However, it is not yet clear where there’s a line between the two.
In Australia, luxury cars fall under the category of cars that are more expensive than regular everyday vehicles. The same goes for New Zealand and the US. Some of the most reputable luxury car manufacturers are Lexus, BMW, Lincoln, Mercedes, and Honda.
What Is A Muscle Car?
In the beginning, muscle cars were called Supercars with the capital “S” in the United States. But muscle cars have their characteristics, so you shouldn’t call them this.
For example, they are all equipped with a V8 engine and feature rear-wheel drive.
The manufacturing process for muscle cars started in the US, back in the ’60s. High-powered pony cars can also be regarded as muscle cars, yet people say they are too luxurious for this category. Sports cars can’t be muscle cars because they are too small and solely built for speed.
Muscle cars can be limited edition vehicles that belong to a certain market segment. This market segment doesn’t include supercars anymore because the term supercar is too “diluted”. Moreover, no other type of car has the same engine characteristics as a muscle car.
What Is A Sports Car?
Many people are passionate about sports cars because they’re incredibly fast and equipped with advanced technology systems. They are built for leisure track racing.
Sometimes, these types of cars can have their roof folded down for a more enjoyable ride, but they are not built for sport tracks. Driving a sports car always makes you feel like the king of the road.
A sports car’s design is focused on dynamic performance. Therefore, driving a sports car is not for people who don’t have experience behind the wheel. There is increased acceleration and difficult handling involved, so you should know how to handle this type of vehicle.
Some of the most appreciated high-end sports cars are Ferrari 488 Pista and Triumph Spitfire. Even if they have different levels of performance, they can both make you feel incredible when driving them. Sports cars gained increased popularity starting in 1920 and are looked for today as well.
5 Similarities Between Supercars, Hypercars, Megacars vs Luxury Cars
Supercars, mega cars, hypercars, and luxury cars are built similarly in some areas. I could say there are many resemblances between them, so let’s see the top 5 of these resemblances.
You should be aware of them if you don’t know yet what type of vehicle to buy or rent.
· Powerful Engines
An expensive car like a hyper, super, luxury, or mega car will offer you great power. Of course, a luxury car will never be as powerful and fast as a mega or supercar. However, you can still get a lot from it. Special cars all have dynamic engines.
· Advanced Tech Features
Most people decide to buy or rent a luxury, mega, or sports car for tech features and performance. Some of these features could be assisted wheel-drive, virtual assistants, and the most sophisticated infotainment systems.
In new luxury hypercars, you can even read your text messages.
· Very Expensive
Prices for luxury, sports, mega, and hyper cars vary from a few tens of thousands of dollars to millions.
You should also keep in mind that they are very expensive to maintain. Moreover, the insurance prices go through the roof, depending on what model you choose.
· Impressive Designs
Sports, mega, and hyper cars have designs that are out of this world. For this reason, their target audience is mostly young people or older individuals who want to feel fresh. These people are usually millionaires, if not billionaires.
Many of them are convertible for the most enjoyable trips in the summer’s sun.
· Fantastic Electrics
People who want to drive luxury, mega, or hyper cars have intentions for grand touring and speeding. Therefore, these types of cars must be equipped with advanced electric systems that don’t give any errors.
For example, you need flawless GPS navigation when on the road for a long time.
5 Differences Between Supercars, Hypercars, Megacars vs Luxury Cars
Now that you understand how luxury, hyper, sports, and mega cars can be the same in some aspects, let’s see how they differ. You should know their differences when getting ready to ‘invest’ a lot of money in buying or renting them.
But let’s jump into the subject…
· Different Investment Values
If you want your investment to return, buying a luxury, mega, or hyper car is a good idea only for super rich. You can rent it out for very expensive fees and get your money back in a few years. You may also attract some tax benefits. You can also sell your super, mega, hyper, or luxury car after using it.
· Produced And Available Differently
Buying a luxury car is way easier than buying a super, hyper, or mega car. Sports cars are also produced in larger numbers, and anyone can get them. However, don’t put your hopes too high when it comes to super, mega and hyper cars because these aren’t available for the masses.
· Not The Same Driving Experience
Driving a luxury car is not the same as driving a mega or hyper car. It’s not even the same as driving a sports car. High-end sports, or mega and hyper vehicles are much faster. They are more powerful than regular sports cars. But luxury cars offer higher comfort oppose to performance and muscle.
· Different Levels Of Performance
No one can say that a luxury or sports car performs like a mega or hyper car on the road. These cars have more than 800 horsepower, 0-60 times under the 30 seconds threshold and top speeds of 215 mph to 270 mph. Moreover, most of them are ‘hybrids’, you believe it or not.
· Differences In Design And Styling
I have seen many hyper and mega cars live. Perhaps you did too. As you may have noticed, they have a unique design and don’t resemble other cars at all.
Many luxury car models imitate the grille style and edges of mega and hypercars, but they are not the same. By far!
5 Most Popular Supercars
Now that you know what makes super, hyper, mega, and luxury cars the same and different, let’s move on. If you want to buy a supercar, you should first learn about the first 5 most popular supercars. I will mention them below for you.
1. Porsche 911 GT3 RS
This iconic supercar from Germany offers great downforce and amazing mechanical grip. Its engine is a 4.0-liter flat-six that provides incredible power while following the present emission regulations.
What’s also interesting about this supercar is that is quite modest in its category.
| Pros | Cons |
| Perfectly working automatic transmission | Difficult to understand infotainment system |
| Faster than ever | Skimpy safety features |
| The very modern interior cabin | Subtle changes from the previous model |
2. Ferrari F8 Tributo
The F8 Tributo is turbocharged, and like any other supercar you can buy, you can ask for it to be customized and personalized for you. I would say it’s sensational on the track or road
because it offers insane speed.
You will surely intimidate others when driving it.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast cornering | Hard brakes |
| A special mode for bumpy roads | A light steering feeling |
| Missile acceleration | Strange oversteer |
3. Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica
The Italian brand Lamborghini surely has a special thing for supercars. This model doesn’t have such an aerodynamic design and rather a softer suspension than previous models. It is ferocious when it comes to performance, and stable whenever you want it to go faster.
| Pros | Cons |
| An exceptional V-10 | Rather funky brakes |
| Can fit your luggage | Not at all an STO |
| Efficient handling | Tires not made for the cold |
4. McLaren Artura
This car is the first plug-in hybrid in full production from McLaren. It has a V6 electric engine and gives about 671bhp, at a 720Nm torque. This vehicle hits 62 mph in 3 seconds. Its top speed is 205 mph, and its engine is incredibly powerful, even if it lacks character.
| Pros | Cons |
| You can switch to petrol power | Doesn’t make a noise like other supercars |
| Spacious and clean cabin | A rather familiar styling |
| A great looker | Very expensive |
5. Maserati MC20
This manufacturer makes the most reputable supercars. The Maserati MC20 could fall under the collectible category because it imposes an occasion sense. When it comes to its engine, this is a 3.0-liter V6 that’s also turbocharged.
When driving it, this car is delicate and very agile.
| Pros | Cons |
| Incredible looks | Small interior space |
| Very comfortable when driving it | An engine note that doesn’t inspire |
| Amazing steering feel | The brakes could have been better |
5 Most Popular Hypercars
Let’s move to the hypercars category. These vehicles are more expensive than super cars, but they also offer increased performance. Moreover, they have futuristic designs and impress at first glance. Last, hypercars are a statement of absolute power.
1. Aston Martin Valkyrie
The design of the Aston Martin Valkyrie is simply uncompromising. As far as performance goes, you have a 6.0-liter V12 engine that delivers and can help you achieve a maximum speed of 220 mph.
Even if it has 2 seats, this car is still rather tight in the interior.
| Pros | Cons |
| Incredible engine sound | Not that available on the hyper car market |
| Great performance | Too expensive for 99% of the population |
| A highly reputable manufacturer | Sold exclusively |
2. Pininfarina Battista
This hypercar is a new-generation highly performant vehicle that uses an electric engine. It gets to 62 mph in under 2 seconds, and its acceleration makes you giggle like a little boy on the football field. Two rear motors develop 1206 bhp, whereas the steering is positive and sleek.
| Pros | Cons |
| The most powerful Italian car | More of a track vehicle |
| Quad motor powertrain | You might not learn how to master driving it |
| Unbelievably fast | Looks a lot like a Ferrari |
3. Lotus Evija
This dramatic, noisy, and fast hypercar is electrically powered by a 70-kWh battery that develops 200 mph. It gets to 186 mph in 9 seconds, so it’s 4 seconds faster than Bugatti Chiron.
Having a 4-wheel layout promises a lot when it comes to balance and poise.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast charging | Not available most of the time |
| Environmentally friendly | Incredibly expensive |
| Drives like race cars | Illegal for the road |
4. Bugatti Chiron
The trophy brand of Volkswagen, Bugatti made history with the Chiron. This hypercar has a 16-cylinder engine and knows no moderation as soon as it has started surging. Another interesting thing about it is that it remains remarkable by not being the most remarkable hypercars.
| Pros | Cons |
| Outstanding engineering | Made for the track |
| Great steering response | Underwhelming handling |
| Unprecedented performance | Can’t drive it on lumpy roads |
5. McLaren Senna
This Ultimate Series hypercar has a design that puts an accent on functionality rather than on form. It offers the most impressive track abilities, but it doesn’t have that much power. Its engine is a V8 of about 800 bhp, and it feels like a prototype when driving it.
| Pros | Cons |
| The most impressive braking capabilities | Road noise |
| Insane acceleration | You wouldn’t want to take it to the streets |
| Great for street racing | There are not too many features |
5 Most Popular Megacars
Last, you have the mega cars category. These types of vehicles can blow your mind when it comes to engineering. Driving them is an unforgettable experience that you might never want to let go of or change.
But let’s see the 5 most popular mega cars.
1. Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut
Other mega cars are mildly impressive performers when compared to the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut. This vehicle can reach 330 mph and has a 5.0-liter V8 engine that’s twin-turbocharged.
It is the fastest automobile ever made, so don’t hesitate to drive it if you get the chance.
| Pros | Cons |
| Performance on the road and track | Limited cargo space |
| Very good transmission | The unbelievably high price |
| The most advanced tech features | Not for inexperienced drivers |
2. Hennessey Venom F5
Reaching a top speed of 305 mph, the Hennessey Venom F5 features a 6.6-liter V8 engine. I can say that this mega car is like a tornado that destroys everything in its path. You could imagine it like this too, knowing that it’s propelled by 1,817 hp.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very fast | Only a few cars made |
| High standards of performance | Braking doesn’t feel safe |
| Young and vibrant design | Sold out |
3. Bugatti Bolide
The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ was one of the biggest commercial successes for its manufacturer. After this success, the Bugatti Bolide entered the market to impress with its 8.0-liter W16 engine that’s quad-turbocharged.
This mega car can get to 60 mph in only 2.17 seconds.
| Pros | Cons |
| Futuristic and impressive design | Bugatti will make only 40 vehicles |
| Faster than Chiron | It is very expensive for rich people too |
| Voted the most beautiful car | No airbags |
4. Rimac Nevera
This mega car is surprisingly one of the fastest vehicles in the world. I said “surprisingly” because it’s electrical and, thus, environmentally friendly too.
Rimac Nevera reaches a speed of 258 mph and gets to 60 mph in only 1.85 seconds. You can take it to the highest-speed races without problems.
| Pros | Cons |
| Brilliant drive | Brakes that feel light |
| Wild design that impresses | Weighs over 2 tons |
| Retractable spoiler | Its price |
5. Koenigsegg Gemera
Last, I have for you another Koenigsegg. The Gemera is a 4-seater and produces 1,700 hp. Its top speed is 248 mph, and it can get to 60 mph in only 1.9 seconds.
Another great thing about this mega car is that you can drive it solely on electric power too.
| Pros | Cons |
| The most impressive mega car design | Rare to find for sale |
| Incredible power | Running it on normal fuel affects performance |
| Advanced tech features | Incredibly expensive |
Conclusion
Perhaps you have reached a point in your life when you can afford anything. This is very good news for you. As a result, you no longer feel like driving any kind of car. Therefore, it is the moment for you to decide if to buy a luxury, super, hyper, or mega car.
Luckily, car manufacturers engineer and produce for a select group of people who are rich in all sorts of vehicle models. You could buy a Lamborghini, a Ferrari, and even a Koenigsegg if you want. Hopefully, this article taught you everything there is to know about such vehicles.