Modern Vs Classic.

 

We are now within an era that leads to using the words dull and ugly to describe everyday cars.  This is an era of sophisticated cars with high tech engines with variable valve timing, twin cams, electronic fuel injection, catalyst systems, electronic control units, etc, etc. The list of sophisticated technology used in engine manufacture is seemingly endless with new innovations added all of the time. The rest of the car has not been ignored with improvements constantly evolving.

 

The things that have been lost  amongst all of this bristling technology are the questions of; Is it nice and fun to drive? Does it feel safe to drive? I find it amazing that you can drive a big Volvo with every kind of crash protection and safety device possible and still feel unsafe.  Most of the modern devices try to take control away from the driver. Power assisted steering takes away feeling and feed back leaving you guessing what the road is doing and how the car is responding to your steering inputs.  Anti lock braking is a fantastic idea but can promote lazy driving to the extent of “oh well the ABS will get me out of this mess”. 

 

Even the look of modern cars leaves a feeling of being short-changed.   There are a few manufacturers that make nice or interesting looking cars.  The boring look of modern cars and the public’s frustration becomes obvious when manufacturers finally launch an appealing car.  Jaguar is one such company and has done wonders with the retro look XJ8 and the S-Type.  Rover surprised all with the Rover 75.  These designs have been very well received and have boosted sales.

 

The road tax-free scheme for classics (in the UK) has no doubt made a difference to the popularity of classics.  A lot of people run a modern car every day and have the classic for weekends, fun, holidays etc.  Classics are so much more fun, different and interesting than the modern cars of today.  They involve the driver; make the driver think and encourage them to use their skill and boost confidence as well as concentration.  A lot of the now old cars were ahead of their time as well and offered an impressive amount of technology. Multi valve cylinder heads are surprisingly common with the Triumph Dolomite Sprint and it’s award winning 16valve cylinder head (dating back to the 70’s) one of the most obvious examples.  The list of  different innovations of engineering that have been done before is a long one.   Most classics though are refreshingly simple in their construction. They are easily repaired by most people with the aid of tools, patience and a decent workshop manual due to their lack of electronic gadgets.

 

There is so much more to an old car than mechanics though.  One of the best things about them is the way they look.  They are cars that vary from good looking to outrageous and sometimes ugly but never boring or plain. 

 

You don’t have to track down Italian exotica to find a gorgeous classic car. The list is refreshingly long of attractive classic cars. An AC Ace, a MGA, a Jaguar XK120, a MK2 Jag, Triumph TR4, Austin Healey 100/4, MG Midget, Sunbeam Alpine (and Tiger), Volvo P1800, VW Karmann Ghia, Aston Martin DB5,  Porsche 356, 911,  Lotus Elan. The list goes on and these are only a small sample.

 

A lot of classics are blessed with better performance and handling than the modern equivalent.  Driver feedback from the older cars is so much better and translates to more predictability, which is a better safety feature than any other.  Some manufacturers are starting to pick up on this and one of the most obvious examples of this is the new MINI.  It has been developed specifically on the basis of driver involvement and responsive handling. 

 

Most new cars last only two or three years before the looks are considered dated and need a facelift.  This is another way that classics triumph, they always look good.  Some designs still seem modern even now. The Mini is a good example and this is confirmed by the adoption of a surprising amount of old Mini design features by the new MINI.  The Jaguar E-Type is another example. Although obviously very different looks wise to the E-Type the XK8 has adopted the original concept of a smooth, flowing shape with a long bonnet and road-hugging stance.  It is no coincidence that the XK8 has earned modern classic status already. 

 

An advantage that classic cars have is that you get a fantastic package for a fraction of the cost of a modern equivalent. Classic car part manufacturers are embracing modern technology to enable the production of some long lost parts.  Enthusiast clubs are a fantastic source of cheap parts, advice and technical support.  Clubs can also be very good fun and sociable and aren’t just full of old pipe smokers talking about regrinding crankshafts.

 

I think the most obvious difference and benefit that a classic car has over your everyday modern equivalent is the fun they bring.  Consider this.  Can you imagine people telling tales of the fun they had in their 2001 Ford Mondeo.  Err not really. Imagine the likelihood of going to a 2001 model Toyota Corolla club meet.  Not a chance.

 

Reliability has often been the argument in favour of modern cars.  Most classics  driven with respect and most importantly maintained properly can be just as good.  Certain classic cars can give reliability in spades.  VW, BMW, Mercedes etc have made some fantastic cars and were built to last. A lot of insurance companies offer very good insurance rates on classic cars.

 

 

With the amount of different magazines devoted to classics on the newsagent shelves today information on a car to choose is never a problem.  So in short consider a classic an inspiration and above all a fun thing.  One question remains. Classic or Modern? I know which one I would choose.