What are the things that are considered when rating a car's performance?

Answer 1

The performance functions vary considerably, it really depends on the car and what its job is e.g. for an estate car the volume of the load it can carry is important, but this is less so for a small sports car. In my view the engine performance is the main thing followed by its road manners and ease of driving. For the engine the all important 0-60 speed, its top speed and fuel economy. Then there are other cost factors such as Insurance Group, Road tax band and depreciation. For road manners this should be self evident from test driving make sure you take through all the gears and cover town and motorway speed driving. The rest is down to practicality and Value for money for what you want it to do.

Answer 2

Basically: the 0-60 time and quarter mile. The responsiveness of the throttle and acceleration. The shifting and feel of the clutch. How tight the suspension is, how the body rolls and pitches. As far as braking, 60-0 without locking up and skidding. Pretty much an overall review of what the car can do when pushed to the limits.