Unlike ordinary passenger cars, sports cars are exclusively built to achieve unusually high speeds. Their design combines a light construction, low ground clearance, and powerful engines that enable them to achieve such speeds. The primary attributes of a fast sports car are superior road handling, excellent driving performance, improved braking and of course, a high power output.

Though built for speed, fast sports cars are also renowned for their aesthetic appeal through sleek designs and bold colors. Rear-wheel drives are designed for more precise handling. There are, however, front-wheel and four-wheel drives available as well. Though not traditionally used in sports cars, after the success of Audi Quattro, the four-wheel drive has been adopted by many sports car manufacturers such as Lamborghini and Porsche. One type of the fast sports car is the race car, but they are not an all inclusive type of make. Lamborghini, for instance, does not build race cars.

Porsche designed what can be considered the first true sports cars in the 3 liter 1910 Vauxhall 20 hp (15KW) and 27/80 PS Austro-Daimler, though they were not referred to as 'sports cars' at the time. Austin and MG (Morris Garages), with the 'Seven' and the 'Midget' respectively, were two of the first companies to offer reliable sports cars for the consumer.

Fast sports cars are generally built with speed, status, and connoisseurs in mind, rather than practicality. Hence, you will not be able to pack the kids in the back seat - there is no back seat! Also, don't expect to save on fuel; fast sports cars are gas guzzlers. The ergonomics of the design and structure guarantees a smooth ride as the wind blows through your hair. So, if you like to take a fast and furious drive down the coast on Highway 1, there is no better way to do so than with a sleek and streamlined sports car.