Would you rather own a random 1970s anemic but simple car or a random modern car with a big screen, CarPlay, stop/start, ABS, fast, etc.?
Assume this is a NEW 1970s car vs. NEW modern car, random selection you cannot choose.
This is without a doubt the most brutal poll I've ever come up with. There's a lot to love about today's cars, foremost on my mind is that they are insanely fast compared to 70s cars. Even an average Hyundai will crush anything without a big V8 from the 70s era, and even some of those.
1970s anemic but simple vs. today's cars POLL
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matthew1
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1970s anemic but simple vs. today's cars POLL
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1998 V70, no dash lights on
1997 850 T5 [gone] w/ MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace
2004 V70 R [gone]
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1998 V70, no dash lights on
1997 850 T5 [gone] w/ MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace
2004 V70 R [gone]
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matthew1
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Also assume the random 1970s car might not have AC. It also might have only an AM radio. We can't look back on this era with rose-tinted glasses.
Two of the three cars my dad bought when we returned to the US in 1979 had no AC and AM only. Actually all three had AM only radios. No 8 track, no cassette, no shirt, no shoes, no service. They were Spartan.
Two of the three cars my dad bought when we returned to the US in 1979 had no AC and AM only. Actually all three had AM only radios. No 8 track, no cassette, no shirt, no shoes, no service. They were Spartan.
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1998 V70, no dash lights on
1997 850 T5 [gone] w/ MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace
2004 V70 R [gone]
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Also -> Amazon link. Click that when you go to buy something on Amazon and MVS gets a cut!
1998 V70, no dash lights on
1997 850 T5 [gone] w/ MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace
2004 V70 R [gone]
How to Thank someone for their post
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BlackBart
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Against my usual habits, I’m going to vote new. The mid/late 70’s were a sad time automotively.
ex-1984 245T wagon
1994 850T5 wagon
2004 XC70 wagon BlackBetty
1994 850T5 wagon
2004 XC70 wagon BlackBetty
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volvolugnut
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I vote for new(ish).
1970's cars in the US were mostly US manufactured, but Japanese were growing popular. These were almost all rear wheel drive, large engines, some manuals trans but mostly 3 speed automatics without overdrive. Yes, likely AM only radio, likely bias ply tires, vinyl bench seats, poor corrosion treatment, often engines worn at 150K, simple suspensions, drum brakes and wasteful carburetors.
If they had AC, it was likely a heavy piston compressor.
Cooling fan for the radiator was belt drive with maybe a slip clutch. Multiple belts to drive all the accessories.
Ignition was distributor and single coil.
They were simple but that was not always good.
volvolugnut
1970's cars in the US were mostly US manufactured, but Japanese were growing popular. These were almost all rear wheel drive, large engines, some manuals trans but mostly 3 speed automatics without overdrive. Yes, likely AM only radio, likely bias ply tires, vinyl bench seats, poor corrosion treatment, often engines worn at 150K, simple suspensions, drum brakes and wasteful carburetors.
If they had AC, it was likely a heavy piston compressor.
Cooling fan for the radiator was belt drive with maybe a slip clutch. Multiple belts to drive all the accessories.
Ignition was distributor and single coil.
They were simple but that was not always good.
volvolugnut
The Fleet:
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.
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abscate
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1970s
Praying for a Chrysler Newport, but probably going to get a Chevy Vega
Praying for a Chrysler Newport, but probably going to get a Chevy Vega
Empty Nester
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 XC90-in-Red
Link to Maintenance record thread
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 XC90-in-Red
Link to Maintenance record thread
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LongNoseElk
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1970s vehicles...
They are attracting rust, they smell, they have a high fuel consumption, they are not safe (Volvos excluded), they can be quite loud and uncomfortable.
But...
there's a raw, unfiltered feeling to driving a car from that era—so much character in every turn of the wheel, every shift of the gearstick. I mean, there's a reason why vintage cars still capture so much attention and admiration.
Cars nowadays lack so very much personality and uniqueness. So give me my VW beetle and let me scratch the ice from the windshield... on the inside!
They are attracting rust, they smell, they have a high fuel consumption, they are not safe (Volvos excluded), they can be quite loud and uncomfortable.
But...
there's a raw, unfiltered feeling to driving a car from that era—so much character in every turn of the wheel, every shift of the gearstick. I mean, there's a reason why vintage cars still capture so much attention and admiration.
Cars nowadays lack so very much personality and uniqueness. So give me my VW beetle and let me scratch the ice from the windshield... on the inside!
2006 Volvo V70 black