What is the difference between a supercar and a hypercar?

When it comes to the world's best performance cars, one thing's for sure - these horse-powered machines are in a whole different league. However, not all road-based sports cars are the same and are therefore split into two key categories - supercars and hypercars.

In this article, we discuss the differences between a supercar and a hypercar and also highlight what similarities the two sports car classifications have in common. Read on to find out more…   

What are the main differences between supercars and hypercars? 

As any car enthusiast knows, performance cars are a step up from the bog-standard passenger cars that largely fill the country’s roads. Desired by many, the most famous and popular marques include Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren. 

But it’s not just looks that define the most powerful sports cars in the world; scratch beneath the surface and there is so much more that sets supercars and hypercars apart, as we explain below:

PERFORMANCE  

Hypercars have an even higher level of performance than supercars do. As such, they tend to have more power in the engine, the ability to accelerate faster, and achieve top speeds that surpass a supercar’s capabilities. To put it into perspective, supercars typically have around 600-700 horsepower (hp), while hypercars often exceed 1,000 hp.

DESIGN

We know everything in life shouldn’t be about looks, but when it comes to the finest hypercars and supercars on sale, it really is all about visual presentation. Every type of performance car is designed to stand out from the competition and offer its own ‘USP’. 

In comparison to supercars, hypercars often feature more aggressive, racetrack-inspired designs, whereas supercar styling is more likely to focus on a more practical level.

TECHNOLOGY 

Beneath the chassis, hypercars utilise more state-of-the-art technology than supercars do, which is complemented by extra expensive materials, advanced aerodynamics, and exquisite engineering. 

As the world embraces a future of electric vehicles, both forms of performance cars are adapting to facilitate customers’ needs by producing models with hybrid powertrains and full electrified variants too. In addition, hypercars have even more extensive use of carbon fibre throughout the body for an altogether more dynamic driving experience. 

EXCLUSIVITY

Believe it or not, hypercars are even more exclusive and rare than supercars are. As is quite often the case, supercars have production runs in the thousands, while some hypercars are limited to dozens or hundreds only. This makes them extremely valuable and sought-after. Time to get saving! 

PRICE

Okay, so supercars aren’t exactly cheap to buy, but they are certainly more affordable to some than hypercars are. This is all down to the overall brand positioning by each manufacturer based on the points above - to reiterate, these are performance, exclusivity, technology, and design.

For most people, supercars are the crème de la crème, but in the world of performance cars, they are actually considered to be more at a ‘mid-tier’ level. Some vehicles classed as supercars are in fact produced by mainstream manufacturers, whereas hypercars are associated with top-end marques - known as ‘halo vehicles’ - in reference to their almighty effect on consumers. 

What are the similarities between a supercar and a hypercar?

Despite their differences, there are actually a number of similarities between supercars and hypercars, which is why both types of performance cars are a tempting purchase for any sports car enthusiast. Here are 10 ways in which a supercar and a hypercar are similar:

1. Both offer unrivalled performance compared to regular cars
2. Both boast exquisite design
3. Both are developed using cutting-edge technology
4. Both come with an expensive price tag
5. Both are considered high-end and hugely desirable
6. Both are likely to appreciate over time, rather than depreciate like standard passenger cars do
7. Both have a high top-speed
8. Both can be used to race on a track or circuit
9. Both benefit from superior engineering
10. Both are a symbol of status and wealth 

Can you finance a supercar?

This is a question we get asked a lot and the short answer is yes, it is absolutely possible to apply for finance to fund a supercar purchase - or hypercar for that matter. However, as with any financial application, there are strict criteria to meet in order to be approved - even more so with supercar finance. Because supercars and hypercars are very valuable vehicles, most lenders will only feel comfortable working with borrowers who have excellent credit scores and proof of high earnings. Head over to our Prestige and Supercar Specialist Finance page to find out more. 

What are the benefits of financing a supercar or hypercar?

If your financial situation means you are the ideal candidate for supercar or hypercar finance, then there are many benefits to funding a performance car in this way, including:

• AFFORDABILITY - Financing provides the ability to buy a higher-end supercar than you may be able to pay for upfront in cash or on a credit card
• BUDGETING - Supercars and hypercars are expensive, so financing spreads the cost over time into more manageable monthly payments
• FLEXIBILITY - Finance deals can offer flexible repayment options, such as length of contract and if you wish to eventually own the car or hand it back and upgrade to a newer model
• FAVOURABLE RATES - Having a great credit score opens up access to the lowest APR rates available
• PROTECTING ASSETS - Engaging in a finance agreement means that cash tied up in other assets can remain protected

Experience the benefits of performance car finance 

As a broker with years of automotive finance experience under our belts, here at Octane Finance, we proudly partner with an extensive panel of specialist lenders. We’re trusted by customers all over the UK to secure a great deal on a supercar or hypercar and it is our mission to match drivers with their dream vehicle. Accelerate your journey to purchasing a performance car by getting in touch with us today.