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When it comes to cars, we love to rave about the “good old days”. But despite all the love we have for our lovingly pampered old cars: apart from the subjective character of the cars, what was objectively better, what was worse back then? In ten categories, we compare cars from nearly fifty years ago with those of today.
1st prize: Hyundai instead of Audi
About 50 years ago, the A6’s predecessor, the Audi 100, was available for CHF 12,150. Today, for that price, you’re staring at it: The Hyundai i10, currently the cheapest model in Switzerland, starts at CHF 13,990. And at Audi? The A6 costs at least 66,850 francs today – but only as a station wagon since the sedan has been wiped out. And 12,150 francs at the time was enough for three A6 options: the dynamic package, 21-inch wheels and S-Line optics for the body.
Hint 2: Swift scores the penalty
Over fifty years ago, anyone who wanted to dominate the left lane bought a Porsche 911. The base budget version was then called the 912, now forgotten and sprinting to a top speed of 185 km/h, which at the time seemed almost audacious. Today, the small Suzuki Swift Hybrid is only 5 km/h slower in its base form.
3. Sprint: Polo Beats BMW
Without the M5, the 130 hp 2000 tii was the absolute flagship of BMW’s 5-series predecessor, the “New Class”: the sports sedan accelerated to 100 km/h in just 10.8 seconds. Today it already has 95 hp – With the small car: VW Polo, which was removed last year, also needs 10.8 seconds.
4. Width: Renault is luxury
Fifty years ago, when you saw the Mercedes S-Class (1965–1972, W 108/109 series) in the rear view mirror, you would have been almost shocked: the symbol of luxury was intimidating, the 1.80 meters was pure overtaking prestige. Today, the popular small “urban SUV” Renault Captur is very spacious. without mirror
5. Success: Everyone is flying today
When an Opel GT with the advertising slogan “Only it’s better to fly” appeared, the scum looked faster than it did for a bourgeois budget. But 50 years ago, 60 to 90 hp always had tremendous power. There’s even more to small cars today. Example: Hyundai i20 has 100, 120 or 204 hp.
6. Weight: Light outdated
While small cars were still small, the original Mini weighed just 615 pounds. Today there is not a single car with a similar diet. At best, the very pure Swiss electric roadster Kyburz eRod – not a car, but a small motor vehicle – can keep up with such low numbers: only 600 kilos despite the battery.
7. Body: How did that suffice?
The Smart epitomizes the small luggage space: only 260 liters fit in the Fortwo, which is only available as an electric EQ. Some 50 years ago, the five of us could easily have gone on vacation to Rimini (I) with Smart trunk – because that’s exactly what we did with just ten liters more in the Escort, the predecessor of the Ford Focus.
8. Ground clearance: it was possible without an SUV
Somehow, no one overlooked them when there were no SUVs – because we were practicing instead of all-wheel drive, and instead of spoilers we always had enough ground clearance for sidewalks and country lanes. “Döschwo” Citroën 2CV once covered every bumpy road with 17 centimeters. Today you have to buy the Citroën C3 in the Aircross SUV version.
9. Duration: Skoda in the premier league
Even today you can see from the Volvo 164 that at that time it was a true luxury class sedan – and accordingly majestic in form: the length of 4.70 meters made an impression. Today, the well-behaved Skoda Octavia Combi is 4.69 metres, just a centimeter smaller. Unfortunately, parking spaces don’t grow with that.
10. Consumption: Dede is thirsty
Be honest: Cars that used to be just as charismatic were just as thirsty. Anyone driving Peugeot’s mid-range 50 years ago officially reached 10.4 liters per 100 kilometers in the 404 on the petrol engine and 7.8 liters per 100 kilometers on the diesel. Beware, less than 70 hp each. The 404 successor is only 6.6 or 5.2 l/100 km for 130 HP each on the 508.
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
