A performance caris a carthat exhibits above-average capabilities in one or more of the following areas: acceleration(torqueand throttle response), top speed (horsepower), corneringand braking. It is debated how much performance is required to move classification from standard to high performance.

A supercar – also called exotic car – is loosely defined or described as a street-legal, superlative performance sports car – both in terms of power, speed, and handling. The term 'supercar' is therefore frequently used for low-bodied sportscars with powerful, rear mid-mounted engines.