Driving enjoyment is the single most important factor in the purchase of a new car amongst enthusiasts. In a recent survey conducted by this site, 64% of people asked said that they put driving enjoyment above all other factors when considering which car to purchase.
The survey was conducted in response to the increasing fear that cars are becoming less driver-focused and are, instead, geared more towards protecting their occupants and offering maximum performance.
While car manufacturers are increasingly focusing on ultimate performance over outright driver enjoyment, according to the results of our survey this goes against the wishes of many potential customers.
Only 16% of respondents said that performance was the most important factor for them in determining which car to buy.
For some, aesthetics were the most important factor (12%) and for 4% of respondents safety was the priority.
Here is a full breakdown of the results of our survey:
The results of the survey show that, in some ways, customers’ wishes are very much at odds with what car manufacturers choose to focus on. Despite many people longing for affordable, fun-to-drive cars, there still seems to be an unwavering focus amongst manufacturers for ultimate performance, luxury and safety.
While car manufacturers are increasingly focusing on ultimate performance over outright driver enjoyment, according to the results of our survey this goes against the wishes of many potential customers.
Only 16% of respondents said that performance was the most important factor for them in determining which car to buy.
For some, aesthetics were the most important factor (12%) and for 4% of respondents safety was the priority.
Here is a full breakdown of the results of our survey:
- When asked of their opinion on driver aids, 4% of people said ‘the more the better’, while 48% of people supported driver aids – as long as they could be turned off.
- The remaining 48% would prefer to have no electronic aids at all.
- In response to the question ‘modern safety equipment – is it necessary?’ 80% agreed that it was, on the condition that it didn’t ruin the driving experience.
- Meanwhile, 12% would rather drive without it in the interests of light weight, and the other 8% said they ‘wouldn’t drive a car without it’.
- One respondent added, “With regards to modern safety equipment, I would not drive a modern car without one, but I would drive a classic without them, this I guess ties in with emotional driving, and the added acceptance of the additional risk”.
- Regarding the emotional aspect of cars, a significant 60% said that it was ‘very important’ and that dramatic looks and a soundtrack to match attracted them to the car.
- On the other hand, 36% said that they ‘could live without’ those things.
- Finally, the majority of respondents (64%) felt that engine downsizing was a good thing, but the remaining 36% said that they’d miss large-capacity naturally aspirated engines.
The results of the survey show that, in some ways, customers’ wishes are very much at odds with what car manufacturers choose to focus on. Despite many people longing for affordable, fun-to-drive cars, there still seems to be an unwavering focus amongst manufacturers for ultimate performance, luxury and safety.