Sports cars are distinct from regular passenger vehicles primarily due to their design and performance-focused features. Unlike regular cars, which prioritize cost efficiency, practicality, and comfort, sports cars are developed with an emphasis on speed, agility, and aesthetic appeal.

Performance: Sports cars are equipped with high-performance engines that typically offer a higher power output than standard vehicles. This allows for faster acceleration and higher top speeds. The engineering involved in developing these powerful engines, along with high-performance transmissions and advanced exhaust systems, contributes to the higher cost of sports cars.

Design and Materials: Design-wise, sports cars feature aerodynamic bodies that reduce drag and improve speed capabilities. They often use lightweight materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum which, while promoting better handling and speed, are more costly than the materials used in more common cars.

Branding and Exclusivity: Sports cars also benefit from brand prestige and exclusivity. Leading sports car manufacturers often produce limited numbers of each model, which can drive up prices due to the basic laws of supply and demand. Moreover, owning a sports car can be seen as a status symbol, which adds to their desirability and allows manufacturers to command higher prices.

Lastly, sports cars often incorporate cutting-edge technology in terms of safety, suspension, and entertainment systems, all of which require substantial R&D investments, further adding to their cost.