This is an interesting question. I think it is easy to define levels in terms of spec sheet, such as price, HP, space (ex 2+2 va 2 seater) with setting arbitrary divisions however you like. Prestige/exclusivity is one that I think is somewhat subjective but there likely is more consensus - ferrari/lambo a tier above Porsche for example. However the most important “level” is the hardest to quantify and very subjective, and that is desirability. For myself, although currently not in the demographic that these cars pertain to, given equal cost I would much much rather take a v6 emira over a 911; hell, I would pay a premium over the Porsche for the lotus. For me based on my preconceived notions (having driven neither) the emira is a step above.

I think the idea of “levels” is hard to say because it is somewhat heuristic and also biased by your priorities and preferences. For example, is a gt3 a level above a 911 turbo s? Is the dakar a level above the 911r?

I’m the end, they sound like different enough vehicles that when cross shopped, people will chose one or the other. I don’t suspect it will be a “start with a 911 then upgrade to an emira”