Convenience as a risk factor
03/05/2023
Over the decades, cars have become increasingly easier to use and more comfortable. Sometimes the developments were evolutionary, sometimes revolutionary. The electric starter, automatic choke, intermittent windshield wipers, automatic transmission, cruise control, electronically controlled air conditioning, navigation systems, door locks that open at the touch of a button or by approaching, or lighting units that switch on and off automatically are just some of the many achievements that have made the automobile more and more convenient over time.
The electric car of the modern age has gone one better in this respect. It can be pre-conditioned by remote control, heats up right from the start, requires no warm-up phase, can be driven (almost) completely with one pedal and also offers stupendous noise comfort. The advantages in terms of comfort are immediately apparent. Criticism is often leveled at the soullessness, the lack of mechanical feel or even a certain dullness.
The question that arises here, however, is whether the electric car makes us even more comfortable and in need of comfort. Compared to a modern electric vehicle, a classic car that is 50 or 70 years older requires much more foresight, experience and a certain capacity for suffering. Before starting, the oil and, if necessary, the coolant level must be checked, then the engine must be brought to life with feeling and choke. On the first few kilometers, it will often not convince with eager throttle response and anyway you should take it easy on the first few kilometers so as not to make life even more difficult for the lubrication when the oil is cold. The gearbox can also be stubborn on the first few kilometers and there is not much to do with heating anyway if the outside temperatures are cool. If the roof is still open or the interior is ventilated with draughts, the only thing that helps is warm clothing. Just foresight.
Of course, the classic car makes up for this with its character, the inimitable background noise and the feeling of being part of a mechanical marvel. You'll never experience anything like that in an electric car. But sometimes you just want to pick up a few bread rolls or visit an aunt who lives nearby. And that raises the question of whether we increasingly comfortable people won't increasingly prefer the modern, simple and super-comfortable new-age vehicle to the classic.
Incidentally, this phenomenon is not only due to the electric car. The youngtimer in the collection also makes it difficult for some pre-war classics to achieve higher mileages per year. All too often, the more modern car, which in case of doubt can survive a traffic jam without overheating and in midsummer fans welcome cooling air onto the occupants thanks to air conditioning, is preferred to the older car.
Yes, as a classic car owner you sometimes have to overcome your own urge for comfort and almost force yourself to opt for the less comfortable older car. But it's worth it, because the driving pleasure of our classics is quite different from what Tesla, Taycan, Ioniq 5 or Fiat 500e can offer. And this is the only way our old cars will stay on the road, be seen and hopefully be recognized as a cultural asset.
What do you think? Have you had similar experiences or do you see things completely differently? Please comment and share your thoughts. It could lead to an interesting discussion ...
