View Poll Results: Whats more important to you?
Performance



50
47.17%
Appearance



17
16.04%
Both the same



39
36.79%
Voters: 106. You may not vote on this poll
whats more important: performance or appearance
I'm spening over $2,000 on paint and exterior mods.....
And I drive an LO3, if that doesn't tell you my answer i don't know what does.....
BUT, I plan on doing performence mods, don't get me wrong, they will get done, but to me i rather have my car look good......
And I drive an LO3, if that doesn't tell you my answer i don't know what does.....
BUT, I plan on doing performence mods, don't get me wrong, they will get done, but to me i rather have my car look good......
Supreme Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,760
Likes: 0
From: Cove, Arkansas
Car: 85 Camaro SC
Engine: V6
Transmission: 700r4
The way I would love to make the perfect maro would be to put in a kick azz engine followed by all the appearance that way you dont risk messing anything up on the front end while putting in a the engine and tweaking with it. But for some reason I always end up doing all the appearance mods first.
I'm going with appearance, mainly cuz of the fact I'm a non racer. Don't get me wrong I still like going fast, otherwise I wouldn't have done any mods, even though they're nothing big. But I find myself more concerned with keeping my car clean inside and out, than trying to figure out what my HP numbers are.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,857
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From: Maryland...DO I HAVE TO ADMIT TO THAT?!
Car: 1991 Chevy Camaro RS
Engine: 283
Transmission: 700r4 Auto
apperance to me is my #1 thing...i spend hours just on cleaning the exterior part of my camaro...i cannot stand water spots or dust on my car...the very second it gets dirty im down at the car wash...and yes i hate this kind of weather cuz it makes the car look terrible...yeah people think im crazy but owell its just how i am...a neat freak...
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,445
Likes: 1
From: Huber Heights, OH
Car: 00 TA, 91 Formula, 89 RS
Engine: LS1 / 305 / 2.8, respectively
Transmission: T-56 / auto / auto
I think it's unfair to post this in the Appearance board. 
The appearance of my car is very important, but it's outweighed by the performance... appearance is up there though

The appearance of my car is very important, but it's outweighed by the performance... appearance is up there though
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Supreme Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 0
From: St Catharines, ON
Car: '85 Z28
Engine: 350
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Originally posted by camarogirl18
apperance to me is my #1 thing...i spend hours just on cleaning the exterior part of my camaro...i cannot stand water spots or dust on my car...the very second it gets dirty im down at the car wash...and yes i hate this kind of weather cuz it makes the car look terrible...yeah people think im crazy but owell its just how i am...a neat freak...
apperance to me is my #1 thing...i spend hours just on cleaning the exterior part of my camaro...i cannot stand water spots or dust on my car...the very second it gets dirty im down at the car wash...and yes i hate this kind of weather cuz it makes the car look terrible...yeah people think im crazy but owell its just how i am...a neat freak...
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 6
From: Chesterfield, Indiana
Car: 1991 Z28 Camaro
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: Jasper 700R4 Stage II
Axle/Gears: 3.23 For Now
Both are great to have....but...I'd have to go with apperance....unless your nothing but a drag car. I mean...most local speed limits are 55 here.....so.....it's not like you can have a drag race right down town....so why go fast?...the cops will eventually probably get you..... Although it is fun :O)......lets just say....at a car show....you don't have to prop your hood open......most look at the appearance...the paint... and the body....not so much towards the engine. Mine will have both when I'm done....so...I'll have the best of both worlds I guess
Thats a toughy, but id have to say performance. Theres nothing like spinnin the old BF's when you in the mood for some fun. But appearance is right up there too. For some, its all about looking good cruisin the streets.
Only way to go is to have both!!!:rockon:
Only way to go is to have both!!!:rockon:
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 0
From: Lakewood, CO
Car: 1994 Jeep Wrangler
i put both down for the simple point that i like it to look clean and pretty much stock. If the question were appearance mods or performance mods i would pick performance. apprearance is simply ipmortant to keep it looking like it is. i would only spend on aperearance 1st if it were a matanence issue.
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 4,969
Likes: 0
From: USA
Car: yy wife, crazy.
Engine: 350, Vortecs, 650DP
Transmission: TH-350
Axle/Gears: 8.5", 3.42
Is it better to be slow and seen,
or be fast and not seen at all?
I'll take the later of the two, thank you.
There is one part of my car I need to keep looking good.
Tail lights baby!!!!!!! Tail lights!!!!!
or be fast and not seen at all?
I'll take the later of the two, thank you.
There is one part of my car I need to keep looking good.
Tail lights baby!!!!!!! Tail lights!!!!!
Supreme Member

Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,029
Likes: 6
From: Illinois
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Unless I am driving a Rolls Royce or a Bentley, performance is far more important. In the case of my 2.8l Firebird, appearance is more important because I just cruize in it.
Supreme Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,466
Likes: 0
From: Dash PT, WA
Car: 91 Z28
Engine: LB9
Transmission: WC T5
performance, i wash my car at least twice a week and keep it really clean, but as long as i have a clean car that can hold its own on the streets ill be good, its nice to have both but performance is first
definately performance first cuz if it looks like a POS, but fast as a bat out of hell, then it will surprise a lot of peeps. Whereas if you have an awesome looking vehicle, people expect that since it looks fast...it must be fast.
Performance all the way. My car is stock on the outside. And, although I hate to admit it, more often dirty than clean.
But then again, I'm usually going too fast for anyone to get a good look at my car anyway. So, why would I care how it looks if no one is ever going to see it?
But then again, I'm usually going too fast for anyone to get a good look at my car anyway. So, why would I care how it looks if no one is ever going to see it?
what up pat, ide have to say performance is just a little more important to me, although just like camarogirl said, im also a neat freak when it comes ot my car. hey man march 1'st i get the beast out, telling you man we need to plan some kind of gatherning in a little while, later man
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 530
Likes: 0
From: Nazareth, PA
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
I'm currently working on both. Doing some engine mods and have new 18" tire/wheel combo, all new weatherstripping and badges waiting to put on when I'm done with the engine.
Originally posted by 89rsIMPRTETR
what up pat, ide have to say performance is just a little more important to me, although just like camarogirl said, im also a neat freak when it comes ot my car. hey man march 1'st i get the beast out, telling you man we need to plan some kind of gatherning in a little while, later man
what up pat, ide have to say performance is just a little more important to me, although just like camarogirl said, im also a neat freak when it comes ot my car. hey man march 1'st i get the beast out, telling you man we need to plan some kind of gatherning in a little while, later man
Hopefully by late march early april i will have it put back together
mayve we can plan somthing for then? later pat
I ahve spent about $4,000 on my car since I got it and it is all primered, dented, the back hatch locking mechanism is busted, all 4 tires are a different brand, my interior is gutted, and my back bumper is cracked reallt bad...needless to say i am about PERFORMANCE first.
I just get a kick out of pulling up to a well done-up appreance car a blowing the doors off of it, because on the outside my car looks like a 100$ P.O.S!!(But underneath the hood...hehe)
I just get a kick out of pulling up to a well done-up appreance car a blowing the doors off of it, because on the outside my car looks like a 100$ P.O.S!!(But underneath the hood...hehe)
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,964
Likes: 4
From: Norfolk, VA. USA
Car: 86 Trans Am, 88 Formula
Engine: 95LT4, 305TPI
Transmission: T56, T5
For me, it's performance.
I'd rather have a decent looking fast car than a hot looking slow car.
Take my car for example,
I'd rather have a decent looking fast car than a hot looking slow car.
Take my car for example,
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 8,030
Likes: 1
Car: 1989 IROC-Z
Engine: 383 stroker
Transmission: 700R4 3500 stall, TransGo shift kit
Axle/Gears: Moser 9", 4.11:1
They are both important. I would not want to drive a car that looks like absolute crap but was fast. On the other hand, I would not want a to drive a car that looks fast, but is slow. I want a decent looking car with performance. The paint on my front nose is cracking and I have a couple small dents. I have the money to fix all that, but instead I'm gonna get headers, an electric cutout, and I bought an LT1 intake. So I'd rather have a couple little things wrong appearance wise and have the performance
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: N.W. Houston
Car: 87 IROC Z-28
Engine: 406-Mini Ram-AFR 195's-DFI Gen 6.32
Transmission: 700-R4 w/Art Carr converter
Axle/Gears: 9" - 31 spline - 3:89
I think a car should "look as good as it runs and run as good as it looks". Both are just as important to me. I will say I did all the performance work and got the bugs worked out a year or so before I painted it. You don't want to do that bass ackwards.
My ride https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index...ew&rideid=9388
My ride https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index...ew&rideid=9388
Supreme Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,037
Likes: 0
From: Cypress, SoCali
Car: 2006 Tacoma X-Runner
Engine: 4.0L DOHC V6
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Axle/Gears: 3:15 LSD
Isn't making a car look fast but the car really isn't what r!cers do? I say if you are going to make a car look fast have the power under the hood to back that appearance up. Otherwise your fast looking car will be getting beat by slow looking and performing cars.
Supreme Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,760
Likes: 0
From: Cove, Arkansas
Car: 85 Camaro SC
Engine: V6
Transmission: 700r4
I'm glad my car just looks good and not fast? OR does it. I like looks over power but thats cause I know how to do paint and body work more than building a killer engine.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 768
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax, VA
Car: 1991 z-28
Engine: zz4 350
Transmission: t-56
you can have appearance without performance............
YOU CANT HAVE PERFORMANCE WITHOUT APPEARANCE!!
noone wants to see a pos burn down the track, or blow by your, whoever has the phatest lookin car gets the chick in the end.. and gets all the respect from 90% of the world who dont know a thing about cars.... performance is for those who like the track, and not a daily driver cruise around, for those people its all about the "eye catcher"... having both is the best of course, but looks have to come first,
YOU CANT HAVE PERFORMANCE WITHOUT APPEARANCE!!
noone wants to see a pos burn down the track, or blow by your, whoever has the phatest lookin car gets the chick in the end.. and gets all the respect from 90% of the world who dont know a thing about cars.... performance is for those who like the track, and not a daily driver cruise around, for those people its all about the "eye catcher"... having both is the best of course, but looks have to come first,
Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 0
From: So Cal (SD)
Car: 91 firebird now
Engine: 305
Transmission: 5 speed
Originally posted by 1991 Z-28
you can have appearance without performance............
YOU CANT HAVE PERFORMANCE WITHOUT APPEARANCE!!
noone wants to see a pos burn down the track, or blow by your, whoever has the phatest lookin car gets the chick in the end.. and gets all the respect from 90% of the world who dont know a thing about cars.... performance is for those who like the track, and not a daily driver cruise around, for those people its all about the "eye catcher"... having both is the best of course, but looks have to come first,
you can have appearance without performance............
YOU CANT HAVE PERFORMANCE WITHOUT APPEARANCE!!
noone wants to see a pos burn down the track, or blow by your, whoever has the phatest lookin car gets the chick in the end.. and gets all the respect from 90% of the world who dont know a thing about cars.... performance is for those who like the track, and not a daily driver cruise around, for those people its all about the "eye catcher"... having both is the best of course, but looks have to come first,
Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 0
From: So Cal (SD)
Car: 91 firebird now
Engine: 305
Transmission: 5 speed
Originally posted by fastcamaro350
Performance first....appearance later.....
Performance first....appearance later.....
Supreme Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,037
Likes: 0
From: Cypress, SoCali
Car: 2006 Tacoma X-Runner
Engine: 4.0L DOHC V6
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Axle/Gears: 3:15 LSD
Originally posted by 1991 Z-28
you can have appearance without performance............
YOU CANT HAVE PERFORMANCE WITHOUT APPEARANCE!!
noone wants to see a pos burn down the track, or blow by your, whoever has the phatest lookin car gets the chick in the end.. and gets all the respect from 90% of the world who dont know a thing about cars.... performance is for those who like the track, and not a daily driver cruise around, for those people its all about the "eye catcher"... having both is the best of course, but looks have to come first,
you can have appearance without performance............
YOU CANT HAVE PERFORMANCE WITHOUT APPEARANCE!!
noone wants to see a pos burn down the track, or blow by your, whoever has the phatest lookin car gets the chick in the end.. and gets all the respect from 90% of the world who dont know a thing about cars.... performance is for those who like the track, and not a daily driver cruise around, for those people its all about the "eye catcher"... having both is the best of course, but looks have to come first,
I have nothing against making a car look nice but it shouldn't be the only thing that is done to the car. What is the fun of having a car that looks fast but gets beat by an 83 Civic? I have to be honest. For the street I prefer appearance over performance
its not cool to race on the streets and it will only get you in trouble. I've been through too much legal stuff already, and its just not worth it to go race by people who are doing the daily commute. On the other hand, It is cool (and mostly legal) to modify the appearance of your car to fit your tastes. You're not hurting anyone, and you get more looks. But there is a part in all of us that wants speed and power, so we must have it. Having a car for the track thats all about performance and not so much about looks is the way to go to fullfill the need. Who cares what it looks like, you push the car to the limit and you might end up crashing. And you dont get 'busted' for anything. So for me its a balance. I want both but its hard to go all out performance and appearance in one car. My plan was to get one for the track and go all out performance (90 RS), and one for the street and go moderate performance and all out appearance (91Z28). But now my priorities are mixed up and my street car has a blower and my track car has new GFX and a new paintjob soon. So I guess its both. hahahha
its not cool to race on the streets and it will only get you in trouble. I've been through too much legal stuff already, and its just not worth it to go race by people who are doing the daily commute. On the other hand, It is cool (and mostly legal) to modify the appearance of your car to fit your tastes. You're not hurting anyone, and you get more looks. But there is a part in all of us that wants speed and power, so we must have it. Having a car for the track thats all about performance and not so much about looks is the way to go to fullfill the need. Who cares what it looks like, you push the car to the limit and you might end up crashing. And you dont get 'busted' for anything. So for me its a balance. I want both but its hard to go all out performance and appearance in one car. My plan was to get one for the track and go all out performance (90 RS), and one for the street and go moderate performance and all out appearance (91Z28). But now my priorities are mixed up and my street car has a blower and my track car has new GFX and a new paintjob soon. So I guess its both. hahahha
Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: NW Ohio
Car: '91 RS
Engine: LO3, For now...
Transmission: 700R4
I'm working on both. My car doesn't look perfect, but it's pretty good. Currently however, it's not as fast as I want it to be. So, it's time for some bolt-on performance mods. I think performance and appearance are equally important.
I think if your car has good paint and a straight body, you should go for performance.
If your exterior is lacking, appearance mods are necessary to escape the stereotypical "trailer trash thirdgen"
If its clean, shiny, and basically all around nice, then its time to build yourself a motor.
I think fast junk looking thirdgens are stupid. I wouldnt want to be seen driving a rusted out camaro even if it ran 11's. They are ugly, and face it, any car you drive really is a status symbol.
If your exterior is lacking, appearance mods are necessary to escape the stereotypical "trailer trash thirdgen"
If its clean, shiny, and basically all around nice, then its time to build yourself a motor.
I think fast junk looking thirdgens are stupid. I wouldnt want to be seen driving a rusted out camaro even if it ran 11's. They are ugly, and face it, any car you drive really is a status symbol.
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 897
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Car: 1993 Toyota Supra
Engine: Inline 6
Transmission: 6 Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.13
Originally posted by 1991 Z-28
you can have appearance without performance............
YOU CANT HAVE PERFORMANCE WITHOUT APPEARANCE!!
noone wants to see a pos burn down the track, or blow by your, whoever has the phatest lookin car gets the chick in the end.. and gets all the respect from 90% of the world who dont know a thing about cars.... performance is for those who like the track, and not a daily driver cruise around, for those people its all about the "eye catcher"... having both is the best of course, but looks have to come first,
you can have appearance without performance............
YOU CANT HAVE PERFORMANCE WITHOUT APPEARANCE!!
noone wants to see a pos burn down the track, or blow by your, whoever has the phatest lookin car gets the chick in the end.. and gets all the respect from 90% of the world who dont know a thing about cars.... performance is for those who like the track, and not a daily driver cruise around, for those people its all about the "eye catcher"... having both is the best of course, but looks have to come first,
,even though your car looks better than mine Now....... I'll even hold off on the supercharger install till spring just to see the look on your face, and i'll still beat ya with no problem
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 556
Likes: 0
From: Edison, NJ
Car: 1991 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: WCT5
performance is something that is truly appreciated by a select few... anyone can appreciate how good looking a car is... so for me ill go with performance
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 768
Likes: 0
From: Concord, NC
Car: 86 IROC-Z
Engine: Superramed 355 w/ intercooled T72
Transmission: T56 -=- www.iroc-ss.com
Got to have both in my book but I would say performance 51% and appearance 49%. It means a little more to me and I hate seeing some one spend $10k in appearance and then be sporting a 130hp V6.
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 897
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Car: 1993 Toyota Supra
Engine: Inline 6
Transmission: 6 Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.13
Originally posted by lock
Got to have both in my book but I would say performance 51% and appearance 49%. It means a little more to me and I hate seeing some one spend $10k in appearance and then be sporting a 130hp V6.
Got to have both in my book but I would say performance 51% and appearance 49%. It means a little more to me and I hate seeing some one spend $10k in appearance and then be sporting a 130hp V6.


