The mechanical experience is increasingly missing
09/07/2022
Anyone who has ever driven a VW Beetle will remember what they experienced and felt for the rest of their lives. The bony gearshift feel, the delicate vibrations from the rear, the steering feel, even the reset force of the blinker switch. And if he was also able to try out an Opel Kadett, he will be aware of the major differences between these two former competitors.
The same applies to the comparison between a Ferrari 308 GTB and a Porsche 911 G model. Once you have had the opportunity to move the gearshift through the gate or start the air-cooled rear engine in the rear with your left hand, the sensory experience is etched in your memory. It's no wonder that many classic car buyers go back to a car that they were once able to drive themselves when it was perhaps still new or second-hand. The "mechanical experience" of that time is a decisive factor. And even those who are not looking for a classic on the basis of memories will ultimately take these differences in feel/sensory characteristics into account as criteria when choosing the right car.
Over the last few decades, however, this "mechanical experience" has been increasingly pushed into the background. Today, the steering is electrically assisted, the gearshift is made via electrical connections and paddles on the steering wheel, if there is still a gearshift at all. With the modern electric car at the latest, almost the entire "mechanical experience" disappears, as there is neither motor nor gearshift. It would be interesting to investigate whether test drivers who could test camouflaged electric cars would still be able to tell the types/manufacturers apart at all. And even visually, the cars resemble each other inside. LCD display in front of the steering wheel, giant tablet in the center console, no switches.
But the question is how this will affect the collectors of tomorrow. For example, why should you add a Tesla S from 2012 to your collection in 10 years' time when the latest Tesla can do everything better and the "mechanical experience" is almost the same (with the exception of even more monstrous acceleration). What will you remember in 20 or 30 years when you think back to your first Tesla?
