I gave up being a boy racer years ago , reliability,economy and equipment are what I go for,
If I wanted a gas guzzler i would buy one.
But my bike would give most a run for their money.
Bikes on a straight road will always win the day speed wise - bang for your buck. But dangerous however fast you go due to other road users, play safe. My 24-year-old friend died in June on his motorbike, so I struggle with bikes a little currently. No safety net of a steel shell.
I'd class a gas guzzler as an old American v8, many of the newer petrol cars are surprisingly efficient, even ones with a little performance.
I have a car that has nearly the same emissions output as an older Clio Diesel 1.4, which is pretty good considering it's a 3 litre twin turbo.
Economy, current car not as good, im getting around in old money - about 27-28 mpg real world, so I reckon i'm doing an extra €50- €100 a month in fuel at most over a little petrol hatch. BUT For the grin it puts on my face, compared to the clio diesel, i'll wear the extra €100.

However if you compare to 20 years ago, I have supercar performance (nearly) for hot hatch economy. A sensible compromise? My old clio supposedly did 55-60mpg odd, but those figures are nonsense, when you look at the real world and bother to add it up, was never more than 38mpg. So the cost of fun is 10mpg or roughly +25% on my ongoing fuel bill.
I am a self-confessed petrol head, not a boy racer, but do like a bit of performance. I've eked out not far off 400bhp out of a plain looking rear wheel drive hatchback. Watching Porsche & Mercedes drivers scratching their heads disappearing in my rear view mirror - I find amusing, as often they sit on the road, like they own it

. I also find have a little more power can get you out of trouble, when you least expect it. Having a fast car, doesn't mean you have to drive fast or like an idiot all the time - but it's good to have it when you need it.
It takes all sorts, to make a market

Personally the sound of a proper petrol engine singing, restored my soul back to life after playing sensible for years with a little diesel - perfectly good, but fun? No.
If you want sensible or economical & fun (but not fast), pick up a MK2 MX5 as you simply won't do any money on them at all. We bought a wreck at €1000, spent another couple on the engine/respray - maybe €3000-€3500 stood us in, we also have all the bills for the works - it's worth €4500-€5500 locally, the beauty of it, is it's not going down - only up in value (slowly). Rear wheel drive, convertible and fun with no depreciation. Also economical. The downside, it's pretty slow with 105bhp...One of the best manual gearboxes, in any car, at any price.