Came across this observation from Slate’s Big Money blog -
…people who drive Corvettes are viewed as pathetic midlife gearhead hillbillies; if they had any class, they’d drive Porsches.
The post was about GM’s Hummer brand being sold to a Chinese firm, and goes on to say -
The Hummer owner is reviled. The Corvette owner is pitied.
Can’t wait to find out how I fare as a MINI owner 
commented