Are today's cars better- or worse-looking than the ones of decades past? Discuss (vehicle, fuel)
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It all depends. Though some remember the 1960s cars fondly, few remember there were plenty of snooze fest styling cars during that period. Generally I find the cars of the 50s and older to be better styled because at the time they were styled by artist, not wind tunnels and government safety regulations. Personally, I believe around the mid to late 1970s was a serious decline in car styling. The 80s brought about the worst of some cars because the focus was on lower vehicle weight and increased MPG. Sure, sports cars of that era looked good (depending on your preference), but sports cars almost always look good. I don't think today's cars "look" (exterior styling) better than years past. Their build quality, handling, acceleration, safety, and comfort are a huge leap from the cars of the past. But they're hampered in styling by those government regulations and quest for MPG. Ever notice that today's cars have a flatter nose? That's to protect pedestrians in low speed hits. Cars like the sharp nosed Camaro and Firebird of the late 1990s can't be built today because of those regulations.
Cars are more efficient these days, so I think generally speaking, they are better. However, the sheet metal/exterior seems to have nose dived that if you don't keep vigilant, they will get rusted very easily. Also, cars now have tons of electronic gadgets that become obsolete very quickly, which is a minus in terms of maintenance and have more things to break down. Like everything else in life, it is a +/-.
If you like cookie cutter cars knock yourself out. They all look the same with different badges on them.
You have to get a Mustang, Camaro, Challenger, Charger etc.. to see a change. No one cares about a Focus VS Toyota VS Honda VS Kia VS Mazda and so on. Blah....and run of the mill is the norm.
Anyone know why they stopped building cars with tail fins? Did they go out of style, or were there practical reasons? I have heard tail fins help with crosswinds at highway speeds, so they're not purely ornamental.
Anyone know why they stopped building cars with tail fins? Did they go out of style, or were there practical reasons? I have heard tail fins help with crosswinds at highway speeds, so they're not purely ornamental.
They went out of style and for weight saving reasons I guess.
That's a lot of extra metal hanging out there.
New car pros: Safer, faster, more fuel efficient, better handling, roomier, quieter, more comfortable, more features, longer lasting, and more reliable.
New car cons: More expensive, more complex, and heavier (erasing some performance and fuel efficiency potential).
Verdict: I'll take the new one, please.
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