Performance/Muscle cars. New vs. Old. What is your opinion?

[BarryG]

I love the old ones and appreciate the new ones. However for me the new ones don't quite cut it. Yes they are modern, more reliable, as fast or faster, more comfortable, more bells and whistles and in all reality better cars. But how do you drive it around without worrying about this that or the other the smell of raw fuel permeating the passenger compartment, the fickleness of the carb/s points and condenser, header/exhaust leaks that you darn near pass out from due to the lack of clean air, the sound of power coming out of the exhaust. The new ones while better lack the mystique or whatever you would call it of the older ones. To drive the old ones you need to know something about them to keep them going and running at peak performance, you almost deserve to drive it. It was your baby. Now any Tom, Dick, or Harry can own one and drive it around without a worry in the world and if it doesn't work right roll it to the service bay at your local dealer or garage so they can hook up all the diagnostic stuff to figure it out and then throw parts at it. The new ones are certainty better just not the same as the old ones for me. There are plenty of cars out there faster and more nimble than the ones of old including many of the imports and while they get looks they don't turn heads like the older ones do.

 

[jgillott]

All good points everyone. That's why I asked the question. And as some of you said earlier, it's a good problem to have.

I certainly haven't made up my mind in any way yet. But, the one thing that I will mention is that the search for a good classic is rather frustrating. I am by admission very anal with my vehicles and really want something that represents my definition of nice. I don't mind doing a bit of work on something, but I don't like what I am seeing out there right now. Since everyone and their brother is in to classic cars right now, there are tons of cars out there at classic car dealers and in owners garages that are just slapped together to make a sale. I'll know when I find one that meets my standards, but I just haven't run in to one yet.

 

[TFucili]

As far as I know, this one is still available. I did have a customer go for a demo ride with the owner and said it was butt-kicking.
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/255460-Nice-70-Roadrunner

 

[jgillott]

Thanks. I'll keep that one in mind if it is still around if/when the plastic car sells.

 

[brods]

All go points so far. Which car would be more easily replaced if it got ripped off? I've had a car stolen and stripped. My dad had a car stolen. My friends mint 67 Camaro SS was stolen. His was the worst since it was not easily replaceable, ours were at the time. Less headaches with a new one and more easily replaced if stolen or wrecked. Which brings up the safety aspect. New vehicles are exponentially safer should the unthinkable happen.

I can't seem to add a clickable link without the video popping up and taking up the whole page. Go to youtube and paste: watch?v=C_r5UJrxcck to see an Insurance Institute crash test video of a 1959 Chevy going head to head with a 2009 Malibu. For how heavy the old ones were and even with heavy bumpers that could actually bump into things and not get damaged the 59 gets destroyed. Not pretty.

 

[dodgesst]

If you even have to ask the question then the choice is clear. A classic will always turn heads. It always will. The new muscle cars, although performance monsters that are comfortable to ride in, will not. They are now very common place. And your average person on the street will not know the difference between a hellcat and a standard model. So, if you just want a fast car, buy the new one. If you want something that is unique that every person you see will drool over, get the classic. Easy choice.

not sure I agree with this. My 2016 purple hellcat challenger gets plenty of attention from old and young people. Male and female. You could get an old car (which I have a 66 coronet convertible) look cool on cruises when the weather is nice, fight with tuning carbs, drum brakes, 20 turns wheel to wheel power steering or mod and upgrade all the old technology. Yes the resale value will remain higher than a new car, but I bought my cat to drive and enjoy it. With a set of drag radials I'm out running factory prepped cars from the late 60's. I can drive from TN to CA with A/C, cruise, and get 25 plus miles to the gallon, with a warranty. With the 8 speed automatic I can cruise 80 MPH all day long, ain't gonna do that with a 3 speed auto and 3:55 gears or lower. You can mod a old car with all the modern technology but you will never get your money back out of it. You want a garage queen to resale with out a big lose then invest in a older car. You want something you can jump in go anywhere and still tear up the street go new. Just my 2 pennies.

 

[Wayne M.]

On the idea of modernizing a classic, I found this over on Moparts. I dunno who this guy is or who's funding him, but he appears to be real good. It's a long thread- worth the read.

http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/2156139/1.html

 

[Cooper_D]

The 1968 Dodge Charger is on the top of my wish list and that rebuild is totally awesome!

I guess it should be since his thread started May of 2014 and he still is not done with it.

I came so close to buying one in the early 70's but fuel prices were starting to rise so I bought something cheap to drive.

If you read the whole thread you see he has already done a Charger in silver and his son did a 68 mustang.

Maybe someday he will get board with it and raffle it off. I would definitely buy a ticket!

Back to the original post's question.

I think that you should just go buy/order that new Challenger and start enjoying it.

 

[jgillott]

Just for fun, I test drove a new Mustang GT with the GT performance package (upgraded brakes, tires, etc.). Anyway, what a pleasant surprise. They certainly have come a long way from the last time I have been in one. Impressive, especially at the mid 30's price point. Probably not something I would end up buying, but a great little ride.

 

[JR]

Have you driven a new Camaro lately?

The visibility out of the gen V's is horrible, but my cousin really seems to like his.

Personally I think the Mustang is the better of the two cars.

 

[jgillott]

Have you driven a new Camaro lately?

The visibility out of the gen V's is horrible, but my cousin really seems to like his.

Personally I think the Mustang is the better of the two cars.

Yes, and I have a hard time fitting in the car comfortably. There isn't enough room for someone my size to fit between the door and the center console. Great cars, but the people at GM must design them for someone 150#. Actually, same goes for the new Silverado. If I don't lean on the center console, my shoulder hits the door or B pillar. I don't like that feeling.

 

[jgillott]

Part of the fun of this is getting out and looking at everything that is available in 2016. If you guys haven't, please take a few minutes to at least test drive some of these cars.

Here's a couple I've looked at so far.

2017 Mustang GT 6-speed with the GT performance package. I love everything about this one, except for the color.

 

[jgillott]

I looked at this one a couple of weeks ago. It's too bad GM designed this car for someone a lot smaller than me.

This is just a base model Camaro with a 2.0L turbo 4cyl. Reminds you a lot of the old SVO mustangs back in the 80's. Not what I'm looking for but just a blast to drive.

 

[TFucili]

Part of the fun of this is getting out and looking at everything that is available in 2016. If you guys haven't, please take a few minutes to at least test drive some of these cars.

Here's a couple I've looked at so far.

2017 Mustang GT 6-speed with the GT performance package. I love everything about this one, except for the color.

View attachment 96871

View attachment 96872

I had a black '83 GT back in the good old days. For some reason I seemed to accumulate a lot of points on my license. I have driven trucks almost exclusively ever since.

 

[JR]

Looking at consumer level comparisons the Mustang is the performer out of the 3 for sure. Better power to weight ratio and the best balance front to rear of the big 3.

It would still be #2 on the list next to the Challenger in my book.

 

[Wayne M.]

Just saw a new 'Stang at Target. I just can't warm up to the bodywork.

 

[mwilson]

The thing that has always impressed me with the new Challenger is the ease of entry and exit. Could not believe it the first time that I got into one.

 

[BigPapa]

I forgot all about this thread. Talked to my friend last week. He picked up a partially restored '67 Barracuda with a 383 at the last auction if anyone's interested.

 

[jgillott]

Still completely undecided here guys and that is part of the fun. I do agree with you all that the Challenger is much better in the looks, comfort, and pure power. The Mustang is just in a different league in the handling department. It is so much lighter on its feet.

Probably not going to be making a move until closer to spring. By the time I would order something in, I wouldn't be able to use it due to the bad weather moving in. That gives me a little more time to hopefully get this Corvette sold and out of the garage.

 

[Wayne M.]

I forgot all about this thread. Talked to my friend last week. He picked up a partially restored '67 Barracuda with a 383 at the last auction if anyone's interested.

A real deal Formula S?