Just curious how much better cars are today -- in terms of interior quality, technology, performance, reliability, safety, etc than 10, 15 years ago

For example, if a 2007 Porsche 911 were built today, would its selling prices be close to 90k+?
Or are today's $60k cars much better?

How about a 2000 911. Or various M3s or MB SLs?

 

That's a very subjective question.

 

^^ agreed. One of many facets of this question could say older was is better because of hydraulic steering set-ups and better road feel vs today's artificial feel from today's electronic power steering systems. Another would say that AWD, better traction/stability systems, active dampers, better tires etc.. makes for superior handling and grip so New wins against Old. There are so many more topics within this question.

 

Modern cars are objectively better in every facet.

But older cars had a connection to the road that's been lost in modern generations and it's a shame. In an effort to save 1 mpg of fuel and appease to Global markets, sports cars are not as hardcore as they used to be.

 

yeah, gotta hate that numb electrical power steering. Can't feel anything through the wheel. You are right way to broad of a question.

 

I think modern ones are still 'hardcore', just older ones are more 'raw' so to speak.

 

Having driven and reviewed cars for many years, the main difference I've seen between today's sports cars and those of a generation ago is that, back then, there was a vast difference between the way they drove (and felt on the road) compared to run-of-the-mill family-sedans. Today, because of the proliferation of rack-and-pinion steering, large wheels/low-profile tires, comfort/convenience items inside, more efficient automatic transmissions, engine output per liter, great advances in chassis stiffness, sticker tire/rubber compounds, sport-seating, and a number of other features, the average sedan and the average sports-car, while still noticeably different, are MUCH closer in feel on the road than they used to be. Sedans, especially, are much stiffer then they used to be. In fact, one of the reasons I chose a Lacrosse was that it is one of the few relatively affordable sedans today that, IMO at least, doesn't drive like a sport-oriented car...at least with 18" wheels.

 

That's a very vague question. 10 years ago compared to today like you said, there isn't that much of a difference, compared to say model year 1980 vs model year 1990, or say 1970 vs 1975.

Cars today are quicker than 10 years ago(hell stuff like a 2007 Z06 Corvette is still stupid fast), grip is up, there are more trick AWD and electronic stability systems, the cars themselves are easier to drive near the limit than they were 10-15 years ago(think oversteer near the limit in an old Dodge Viper, Z06 Corvette, etc).

 

The Viper, when it was first introduced in the early 1990s, was a deliberate attempt to bring back the basic feel of the old Shelby AC Cobras of the early 1960s (which you'll probably remember)....a relatively primitive 2-seat British design with (for that time) an insane amount of power, in the form of the Ford 427 c.i. V8 with 425 HP, stuffed into that primitive chassis. It was a handful to say the least, and quite dangerous if not handled properly by an experienced driver (Carroll Shelby himself, of course, had been involved in racing). The original Viper, though not a Shelby design (and using a V-10 truck engine), imitated the original Cobra in a number of ways....monster torque, no electronic traction-aids, no driver-comfort frills inside, and not even glass windows, using pull-curtains for the sides. And, like with the Cobra, you had to know what you were doing behind the wheel.

 

^ Combine 400hp and a really flat torque curve with tire technology of 1993, it was pretty easy to get the back end to come around with the throttle. I think the big reputation for the old Viper being a widow maker is people weren't used to having that much power on tap, especially that low end torque. You had to practice real patience with the throttle, hammer it too early coming out of a corner and it will come around on you rather abruptly.

 

There are many elements of sports cars that have been improved in the past decade.

The dual clutch trannies are faster and smoother.
The ability to bring carbon fiber tub pricing down.
Tires have improved (my Pirelli Sotto Zero 3 tires are amazing).
Electric turbos are interesting.

 

faster, smoother doesn't mean better driving experience though. It's why Miatas have had such a long following. If you've ever driven a triumph tr6-7, mgb, fiats from that era, etc. they are such a blast to drive. Especially when it comes to sports cars, I don't need or really want a bunch of frills.

 

They may not be. I think the sweet spot was in the 2004-2008 range. There was clearly decontenting going on starting around 2008'ish. A lot of things done with software, not hardware. And electric power steering was a real detriment to sporty cars. I don't think there is any EPS that is better than its hydraulic counterpart, just that people seem to say Porsche is passable.

Technology, like streaming pandora? Well, of course stuff like that, resolution on screens, that will not be as good on a 2008.

 

The early automated trannies got a lot of grumpy review for not being smooth or fast shifting. I am just saying that those points have been addressed.

This thread can go a lot of directions. For example, are today's cars more engaging. My S2000 was a blast and very engaging but gave me a headache after driving ti an hour. My new NSX takes less effort to drive, but is more fun and I can drive it for a longer time and not fell beat up.