Thoughts on modern versus classic

In my opinion the best of any art form tends to come before too much technology gets involved. Movies, Music, Sculpture, Painting, Novels, etc...pretty much every art form i can think of was at its best before too much technology got involved.

 

I think I would fall into I like both. I had my Ferrari F8 which was modern and fast. I also had my Superformance Cobra that was old feeling and raw.

Best of both worlds. However I’m not spending millions of dollars on a super car with a V6.

 

I find modern cars….just about anything 21st century, with a few exceptions, to be soulless. And I agree with Jon that most of the performance cars are intimidating and overly complex, more competent than 99% of their owners, too loaded up with driver assists, entertainment accessories, etc. I don’t need or want any of that but I’m forced to pay for it anyway if I want a current catalog Porsche or Ferrari.

As a result I doubt I’ll ever own another new one of either brand; nothing newer than a 997 or 550, respectively.

 

To me that's a strange thing that progress does not only bring improvements - typically modern cars have better performance, road holding, braking and so on, but they are also loaded with unnecessary "high tech" features that are more annoying than useful. The electrical handbrakes, or the "emergency braking help" that now spread like a plague on most cars, are particularly exasperating for me... It's a pity, because the improved performance would be completely enjoyable without these terrible additions.

 

What? Are you saying the CGI crash scenes in the new Ferrari movie weren’t believable?

 

Bottom line is newer sport cars are too fast to drive on public roads.

 

Tru Dat. I was looking at the trip meter on the Cali T and discovered that I had been over 110 and never even realized it. That car was never trying hard. In the 328, it's very apparent when you're cresting 85+. The 328 is much more fun to drive on back roads, but the California T is a better automobile in every way.

The other element is that I can repair the 328 with a normal toolbox and some time and patience. The modern Ferrari is dealership or independent only, very little chance I can repair it at home and I certainly cannot manipulate sensors and other settings/computers without specialized equipment.

 

Jon, your posts are like a finely tuned engine—always delivering wisdom and insight, and this one is no different. I have a deep admiration for classic car enthusiasts; after all, why tinker with an engine that's already perfect?

That said, I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the latest high-tech machines, I can't help but appreciate the adrenaline rush they offer, even while cherishing the timeless appeal of the classics.

Your take on how modern cars lack the soul and raw character of, say, a Cobra is spot on. But I’ve got to admit, the gut-punching g-forces, split-personality dynamics (Jekyll/Hyde), and tech that makes everyday drivers feel like superheroes can’t be ignored. It’s a reminder that automotive evolution isn’t waiting around for nostalgia.

There’s no universal answer to which car—or era—feeds the soul.

I'm just lucky that I appreciate both Elvis and Bruno Mars. I love a 250 and wouldn't throw the keys back on an F80.

The beauty is, no one's forced to choose! It's like a buffet, take as much of what you want, skip what you don't. (or a person like me that takes a little of everything.)

I wish you endless happy miles (in whatever car)
-Paul

 

There's definitely a "jump the shark" moment in a car's evolution. I'm not sure exactly when it happened with any particular make/model, but I find myself more attracted to the older cars & the experience of driving them. If I had a choice between spending a track day driving a Bugatti Veyron or a Bugatti Type 37, I'd run to the 37!

I'm a big Porsche 356 fan also. They're essentially a souped-up Beetle, but SO much fun for some spirited driving.

 

There is just know honerable/reasoab6use for a modern hypercar.

Drive it fast and it's just too fast to enjoy and you are also a wreckless danger to everyone around you due to the insane speed. You get caught getting on it... And your going to jail.

Drive it slow and everyone thinks your a ****** showing off and what's the point? Just driving a shiny expensive thing around so everyone can see.

Its an odd thing to exist these days.

Maybe I'm just burnt out

 

My personal opinion:

Every car that's worth buying has already been built. Most of them decades ago.

 

That's what I thought until I saw the 296. But the hybrid tech / rolling computer aspect scares the hell out of me. Not just for Ferrari, but for any of the brands. Look on YouTube for Rich Rebuilds to see what happens when the manufacture of a hi-tech car goes under.

 

I’d agree with some posts above. Good and bad about both. I personally get equal enjoyment out of both modern and vintage. Rowing through gears is fun/therapeutic for me personally , but sitting back relaxing and letting the Nannie’s do their job is relaxing as well. Both are situational. I feel fortunate to be able to enjoy both from this iconic brand!

 

In the professional art community theres an ongoing joke about amatuer artists who ask us what materials we use (clay, paints, tablet, etc) as if thats the magic sauce that makes us great.

I see the same thing with people who think they always need the latest and greatest performance vehicle. Its quite laughable when you think about it.

 

Many years ago I bought a 308.............it took me about 30 days to figure out that I also needed a pre 1960 Ferrari.