[2023] Coming back to the game after five years, what car to use?

I was checking out all the cars and I know of the different hitboxes but my question is... Why are cars like the Octane and Fennec preferred over other cars with the same hitbox? Is there something I'm missing or is it an aesthetic thing? Why would someone prefer the Octane over say the Takumi if they have the same hitbox, won't they perform the same?

I appreciate the help!