Although many would consider the human race to be an exception to the general rule of nature that the males are the more colorful and flamboyant of the genders, a new study indicates this isn't the case--and that human males use cars as their colorful plumage--particularly Porsches. Best of all, it works--sort of.

Investigating the attractiveness of men to a group of women, the study evaluated relative responses when the same man was presented in the presence of a Porsche or an economy car, such as a Honda Civic. The results are perhaps unsurprising, but no less interesting.

The women found the Porsche men to be more attractive, but suited only to short-term, un-committed sexual relationships. Specifically, the Porsche owner was found no more desirable than any other for marriage or longer-term relationships. Honda Civic drivers, on the other hand, were thought to be good marriage material, possibly because they're more frugal and practical.

Is it the inherent properties of the car that influence this decision, or what it says about the man that bought it? The study says there is a "link between the things that you buy, how you spend your money, and what kind of relationship you are interested in." So what about female Porsche owners?

The study finds that women don't buy cars--or other expensive items--to attract men, saying there must be "some reason other than attracting the opposite sex" for the purchase. We're not entirely sure about this one, based on anecdotal evidence in the form of receipts from high-end clothing shops, but we'll yield to academia for now.

The bottom line, male Porsche owners: women think you're only in it for the evening, but they do find you more attractive than others when your car is in the frame. Now to open that all-night parking garage night club.

[UT San Antonio via Fox News]