[Jim50thSS]

I got a compliment followed by a story of owning 69' Camaro, then ending in the "they sure don't build them like they use to" line. No disrespect to a classic car or classic car owner, but the idea that a car built 50 years ago is somehow more superior than todays car is strange or delusional to me. I remember my brother in law saying something similar when I first bought my car. To me its just a dig, that they're just jealous. I'm sure this happens to others, but I'm wondering if or how you would respond.

[All2Easy]

I reply with "thank God they don't....my modern car is faster, handles far better, far safer, and won't require an engine rebuild at 60K miles."

[nancygrl]

I'd say that's right...they make 'em better today.

[chevybill]

I don't really react either way. Just let them vent their opinions.

I had a "crackhead looking type" approach me once when I was gassing up my 1994 z-28.
He opened with "is that car for sale?" line. I let him vent, all the while thinking there is no way you have the money to buy my one owner car, you idiot.

[396ssrat]

Originally Posted by Jim50thSS

I got a compliment followed by a story of owning 69' Camaro, then ending in the "they sure don't build them like they use to" line. No disrespect to a classic car or classic car owner, but the idea that a car built 50 years ago is somehow more superior than todays car is strange or delusional to me. I remember my brother in law saying something similar when I first bought my car. To me its just a dig, that they're just jealous. I'm sure this happens to others, but I'm wondering if or how you would respond.

It's a double edged sword. Technologically speaking your new Camaro is superior in many ways. Braking is superior, sound sytem is superior, tramsmission has more gear options BUT, is it stronger"? Engine architecture is certainly sound but power is achieved with a computer and a blower. It burns light years cleaner emissions wise. (advanced technology)
The newer vehicles are safer in crashes (Insurance company design team)
and the list goes on.
Fuel economy is a no brainer.
Where looks are concerned the '69 is the winner. (yes I know, subjective)
Driver and passenger comfort goes to the 69 by light years.
A new Camaro which a customer could order with whichever option they wanted and a delete of what they don't want would be nice. I guess the days of the customer getting what he or she wants rather than the factory telling you what you want are over. The argument over old vs new will always remain subjective. Some of those old cars command outstanding value 50 years after their production date which I presently can't see happening with new cars in 50 years.
I know I'd have a hard time emotionally, upgrading my old Chevelle for a new car.

[orange devil]

Hit a rabbit in a classic muscle car ..not big deal ..hit one in a modern-day muscle car..it's a real bad day .

[RobbyBeefcake87]

Originally Posted by 396ssrat

It's a double edged sword. Technologically speaking your new Camaro is superior in many ways. Braking is superior, sound sytem is superior, tramsmission has more gear options BUT, is it stronger"? Engine architecture is certainly sound but power is achieved with a computer and a blower. It burns light years cleaner emissions wise. (advanced technology)
The newer vehicles are safer in crashes (Insurance company design team)
and the list goes on.
Fuel economy is a no brainer.
Where looks are concerned the '69 is the winner. (yes I know, subjective)
Driver and passenger comfort goes to the 69 by light years.
A new Camaro which a customer could order with whichever option they wanted and a delete of what they don't want would be nice. I guess the days of the customer getting what he or she wants rather than the factory telling you what you want are over. The argument over old vs new will always remain subjective. Some of those old cars command outstanding value 50 years after their production date which I presently can't see happening with new cars in 50 years.
I know I'd have a hard time emotionally, upgrading my old Chevelle for a new car.

Mostly agree with you except for driver comfort. I find my camaro extremely comfortable, love the seats, a.c., creature comforts and the ride. Obviously space wise the 69 wins but not necessarily comfort imo.

I think the old cars are great as well but sometimes nostalgia makes us remember them even greater than they actually were.

[mcintyre1969]

Seats in first gen not at all comfortable compared to sixth

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by mcintyre1969

Seats in first gen not at all comfortable compared to sixth

luckily 5/6th gen seats will bolt right into a 1/2 gen !

[orange devil]

Originally Posted by c4racer

luckily 5/6th gen seats will bolt right into a 1/2 gen !

That would be sweet some 6 gen recaros in a first gen Camaro

[Jim50thSS]

Just out of curiosity, how does a 1st gen compare to a 6th in 1/4 mile or any lap racing?

[Vtor_ZL1]

1st gen is slower than garden variety honda civic. We've come looong way.


Reliable, safer, durable.


If you crash, likely to walk away - just avoid rabbits or other mammals.

[Jim50thSS]

Originally Posted by Vtor_ZL1

1st gen is slower than garden variety honda civic. We've come looong way.


Reliable, safer, durable.


If you crash, likely to walk away - just avoid rabbits or other mammals.

That civic analogy sounds horrible, my work commute car is civic. You have to make a good effort to get it up to speed to get on the highway. If the ramp onto the highway is uphill, I'm screwed, lol.

[95 imp]

Originally Posted by Jim50thSS

Just out of curiosity, how does a 1st gen compare to a 6th in 1/4 mile or any lap racing?

stock v. stock?

It would get destroyed on the lap track.

1/4 depends on the motor.

69 ZL-1 does an 11.6
396/375 M4 does a 14.1
350/300 M3 does a 15
302 does 15.6