Looking through the adverts on Trade Classics for classic cars, it is common to read about a comfortable and spacious interior. Sounds good, but how comfortable and spacious are classic cars compared to the interiors of modern cars?
Of course classic cars cover a multitude of eras and models, but for now we”ll just base this on a 30 to 40 year old classic.
Let”s take a chilly winter”s day, for example. Generally we would have no reason to doubt that the modern car wouldn”t start first time. With modern cars we are so used to running the engine for a while in order to heat-up the car and clear the condensation off the windows. Some of us are also used to switching on the seat-heating in order to give ourselves that extra bit of warmth.
On the other hand, in a classic car, you cross your fingers that it will start. In any case this will involve having a play with the choke. On a chilly day you would be wise to pop on your gloves and maybe put a blanket around your legs. As for clearing the window, here, you have the luxury of choice. You can either open the windows for a while and freeze a bit more, or take a cloth out of the glove-box and give them a wipe!
Again on a chilly day, there is the risk of ice. Thanks to ABS, we are a little bit safer in our modern car, but would be wise to take that extra care in a classic car.
Now let”s take a sunny day. With modern cars, we are more likely to keep the windows wound up and wait for the cool air-conditioning to kick in. With the classic car, the windows go down and the sun-roof is opened in order to blow even hotter air into the car!
The greatest differences, however, are security and steering.
Classic cars generally don”t boast cushioned dashboards or airbags. Breaking sharply or a dreaded little bump can send your head straight into the sharp edge of the dashboard.
Nor do they boast, power-steering. We are so used to the ease of modern steering. Carrying out a three-point-turn in a classic car can give you more of a workout than a session in the gym!
There”s no in-car computing to give you satellite navigation in a classic car. Your alternative is to keep a map in your glove box.
I”ve enjoyed having a bit of fun with these comparisons. It has reminded me that the reasons why the majority of people drive modern cars are covered by the comfort and safety factors mentioned here.
Many of us who love classic cars find these reasons totally boring. For those of us who value these modern conveniences, there are plenty of classic cars on the market, which have been modified to include benefits such as power-steering.
Some of us might go so far as to say that the modern car has become almost too complicated with all of the gadgets that it is has taken the fun out of driving!
The classic car is loved by us for its beauty … convenience is not even a factor!
Emma x
EMMA JONES
This article was written and published by Emma Jones. Emma works for Trade Classics as an in-house journalist and copywriter and has many years” experience in the classic car sector. Why not write a reply on this article below – she”d love to hear your thoughts on her thoughts!Google
Categories: Classic Car Blog, Classic Car Debates
