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There is no doubt in MY mind, I'll take the '63 Impala.
Actually, I would prefer the 1969 Dodge Coronet R/T that I bought new in 1970.
Maybe that is why my truck is a 1977 Dodge Power Wagon!
Why, you may ask? Well, the right front turn signal quit working on my 2006 Chrysler. It wasn't the bulb. So, I took it to the dealer. The problem was in the Totally Integrated Power Module, which is not repairable, the module must be replaced. Total cost, a little over $800, parts and labor. THAT is what the "new technology" has done for us!
I am not impressed.
You make a good point. My first vehicle was a 1968 Ford Fairlane, two-door. I still own a 1987 Nissan 4x4 pick-up, which was one of the last models to still use a carburetor and no computers, even though I primarily drive my 2009 Toyota Corolla. My pick-up is my "trash" truck.
Laws of physics, meet laws of public choice. Again commuter rail $5.39 per passenger mile, van pools $.20 per passenger mile. Which is more "efficient?"
Efficiency comparisons using passenger-miles per gallon strickland.ca - transportation energy efficiency (fuel consumption)
[] Max efficiency:
Mode .... Passenger-miles per gallon Rail ....2000
Trolleybus ....750
Tesla Roadster ....328 Diesel bus .... 280
Toyota Prius .... 240
Scooter cycle .... 150
Ford Explorer .... 100
[] Typical efficiency:
Mode .... Passenger-miles per gallon Rail ....600
Trolleybus .... 290
Tesla Roadster .... 246 Diesel bus ....78
Scooter cycle .... 75
Toyota Prius .... 72
Ford Explorer .... 21
Fuel-Efficiency - CSX
CSX trains (diesel-electric) averaged 468 miles per gallon per ton. (ton = 2000 lbs.)
.... 2012 Ford Focus 2.0L 4-cyl. FFV 5-speed Manual True Cost to Own
$31,115 over five years is the "true cost to own" that Ford Focus.
$6,223 per year.
Scale accordingly for a larger vehicle.
...
In 2012, 30-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard on NYC mass transit - Cost: $104, reduced fare $52
(per annum = $ 1248 / $ 624)
...
Bottom line - for a finite fuel budget, you can move more cargo and passengers via rail.
It will cost far less over the long run to use rail than other forms.
The cost to maintain rail infrastructure is far cheaper.
It is more durable, and long lasting.
Contrast that to computers--around 1980 in school we had an IBM 370 with 6 megabytes of core (memory). I have no idea of the cost, but I'm sure it was at least 5 figures. Now what does an I-pad have...128GB, I believe, or roughly 21000 times the capacity for less than 1 percent of the cost.
A lot of other industries have had MAJOR technological advances relative to travel. Computers, Medical/ Pharma, Bio Tech, Oil & gas Exploration, etc.....electric windows are nice... but I am talking about a major paradigm shift. There has been nothing remotely close and nothing on the horizon (that I know of).
Quote:
3. AC, power windows, cruise control are all somewhat standard...not to mention fuel efficiency and safety are way up.
Also, I would agree that GPS has helped travel, but you still get in a car and drive very much like you did 50 yrs ago. I would make an argument on the safety... driving is NOT safe.. not in the NY Metro area at least.
Lets put it this way.... if anyone can drive to and fro on the Verrazano/ Goethels bridges/ exchange... spend the required $25 in tolls (you read that correct, not a typo), experience the awful and unsafe traffic and thin lanes on this journey.... and then say "wow.. driving has really improved in the past 50 yrs"... well, my hats off to you!!
Lets put into perspective: There have been more changes in travel technology in the last 50 years, than in the thousands of years prior when the only means of transportation was a horse. The last great change in travel technology when horses were the mode of travel was the invention of the stirup around the fifteenth century.
But not relative to other industries/ sectors and genres.
Everything evolves exponentially (as you note greater advances in past 50yrs relative to 1,000 prior)... but in my opinion, travel is evolving FAR slower than other areas.
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