Have you ever traded performance for looks (with cars, not personal relationships!)

The example that quickly comes to mind is the econoboxes Honda Fit and the Toyota Yaris. They are closely matched in hp but the handling seems to be agreed universally to be significantly better in the Fit but in my opinion, the looks are kind of odd compared to the Yaris who’s looks I like much much more.

So, would you trade away some handling in a car if you just couldn’t stand the looks of in order to drive a car that was more attractive to you but not as “fun” to drive?

Which Yaris are you attracted to?

• 3 door
• Sedan
• 5 door
• iA Sedan

YIn reply to John Welsh :

Only the hatch (two door obviously). I should’ve been more clear but I was referring to the Yaris that was the closest match to the Fit comparing apples to apples as they say.

It’s no E-Type or ‘68 Fastback Mustang but I much prefer the looks over similar cars. Heck, I like the Aveo more than the Fit in the looks department 

Yep. Did that with my DD. A Prius fit the bill for my commute, but I took the hit on mpg to go with the much better looking (inside and out), but mechanically the same, CT200h. 

In reply to Spoolpigeon :

Wow, not even in the same league looks-wise. 

It's easier to improve lackluster handling than a poorly designed body.

In reply to ultraclyde :

Also, more fun!

ultraclyde said:

It's easier to improve lackluster handling than a poorly designed body.

I believe the Yaris, all things being equal, are cheaper than Fits are. So put that savings into better suspension pieces? 

I prefer the fit due to the flexibility or various seating configurations and Honda has contingency money, and K series swaps, and eventually I hope 1.5L turbo swaps. 

I’ve gone the other direction. I got rid of a ‘65 Mustang fastback, bought a WRX and never looked back. That’s when I stopped caring if my cars look good or not.  As a matter of fact, I was cross shopping new Audi’s and BMWs at the time. .  

The next seven years were a blast. I regret nothing. 

I have never considered appearance in my car selection, only performance. Performance is not exclusively speed/handling, but it does influence practical usage, I.E. I will never have another front drive.

In reply to captdownshift :

I know the Fit is better in several ways. I just can’t get over the looks. That’s the whole point of the thread

(hope that didn’t come off rudely)

For me it was the E30. I love the way they look, but hated the performance and how it drove.  Ultimately, I couldn't accept the latter and sold it (plus it wasn't very reliable for me).

I own an NA 944, so.......

In reply to Tom_Spangler :

So you’re driving the car for the sheer looks and not the performance?

I started my automotive life with Chrysler K-cars and moved on to turbocharging or modifying turbocharged ones. From there, pretty much everything else I've bought that wasn't a K car was slower, heavier, and... better looking. So, I think I've done that thing a lot!!

There have been plenty of exceptions to the slowness like the 911, GS450h, Cayenne, Mazdaspeed6, 500SL which are all some level of fast but my opinions of what fast should feel like are still somewhat jaded by driving a 2200lb Dodge Aries @20psi of boost.

In reply to ebonyandivory :

I'm picking up what you're putting down now. The only temptation the Yaris brings to me is crazy short overhangs for rally related fun, which does add to the cuteness factor. But the Fit has limited slips available via aftermarket, so I'd keep going back to it.  Heck on the topic of Hondas that aren't beautiful, I yearn for a manual transmission Element to do an ECamper conversion to. I've even found an aftermarket hitch kit rated for 4500lb. 

TurnerX19 said:

I have never considered appearance in my car selection, only performance. Performance is not exclusively speed/handling, but it does influence practical usage, I.E. I will never have another front drive.

Nor will I......but in my next life iffen I'm in the northern climes FWD would be my DD ....Yaris has my vote from an appearance perspective ,not to mention the SCCA  H class champion(this past season) was an Yaris

Yeah, I lowered my DD and put wide sticky rubber on it.  It looked cooler that way, but from a DD performance standpoint it made it worse.

759NRNG said:

not to mention the SCCA  H class champion(this past season) was an Yaris

In your local region?

ebonyandivory said:

In reply to Tom_Spangler :

So you’re driving the car for the sheer looks and not the performance?

I'd be lying if I didn't admit that looks are a big part of what I like about 944s, so yeah, kinda. I also like the relative simplicity, the analog-ness and the handling balance, but I could get those in a lot of cars that do what the 944 does for similar or less money, lower maintenance and parts costs, etc.

ProDarwin said:

759NRNG said:

not to mention the SCCA  H class champion(this past season) was an Yaris

In your local region?

Jason Isley at nationals last year......check it repeat champ if I'm not mistaken....Sorry E&I for the hijack 

Ohhh... H Prod (road race).  I was thinking H Street (autox)...  No wonder that made no sense.

No, no I haven't... 

I own the best looking BMW from 1999 with the best drivetrain they offered in 99. No compromises.