Seatbelts, disk vs drum and antilock brake systems, crumple zones, backup cameras, suspension design (wishbone, progressive spring rate) for handling.
I will concede the backup sensors. Those have worked pretty well, though still give false alerts occasionally. Auto headlights/wipers are also another plus, but more of a gimmick.
Other than that, there are better electric/hybrid/engine efficiency which is all good. New models and styles which can be interesting, and cars got fat, which isn’t too good. But the actual technology for safety features used to keep people safe today, is basically the same as almost 25 years ago. Old cars from today’s perspective are not like the old cars from the 1990’s perspective.
3-point Seat belts go back to the 60s, disc brakes even earlier, anti lock was the 80s along with crumple zones, wishbone suspension goes back decades (including original Mustang) while being less commonplace now than the peak (90s?) where even BMW has gone with McPherson today. The biggest change in hybrid tech was the switch to lithium cells for appropriate power density, while there’s not much else new about electric motors and generators. See: diesel trains actually being diesel-electric. Maybe solid state components making DC voltage stepping feasible. There’s not anything actually wrong with drum brakes at this point. Modern pad material is the big thing, being able to withstand much more heat.
I do not see how you consider those things major changes but not what has developed beyond that.
What massive safety revolutions occurred in 2004 that can’t be as easily dismissed as you’ve dismissed those since then?
Seatbelts, disk vs drum and antilock brake systems, crumple zones, backup cameras, suspension design (wishbone, progressive spring rate) for handling.
I will concede the backup sensors. Those have worked pretty well, though still give false alerts occasionally. Auto headlights/wipers are also another plus, but more of a gimmick.
Other than that, there are better electric/hybrid/engine efficiency which is all good. New models and styles which can be interesting, and cars got fat, which isn’t too good. But the actual technology for safety features used to keep people safe today, is basically the same as almost 25 years ago. Old cars from today’s perspective are not like the old cars from the 1990’s perspective.
3-point Seat belts go back to the 60s, disc brakes even earlier, anti lock was the 80s along with crumple zones, wishbone suspension goes back decades (including original Mustang) while being less commonplace now than the peak (90s?) where even BMW has gone with McPherson today. The biggest change in hybrid tech was the switch to lithium cells for appropriate power density, while there’s not much else new about electric motors and generators. See: diesel trains actually being diesel-electric. Maybe solid state components making DC voltage stepping feasible. There’s not anything actually wrong with drum brakes at this point. Modern pad material is the big thing, being able to withstand much more heat.
I do not see how you consider those things major changes but not what has developed beyond that.
Uh, I think we’re arguing the same side here.
Edit: I thought of one: auto braking systems. That’s one significant safety system invention since 2000. It’s a bit more than just a nag or gimmick.