Thirty years ago, there were distinct differences in appearance between brands and national origin of cars.
You could still buy cars from France, Italy and the UK that were of indigenous design and appearance.
Japanese cars of the day were nothing like those built in the US and they had their own charms. Nothing from anyone revved like an early Civic 1500, even if it had no real power. In an 1800 lbs car, it felt fast.
Cars were heavily differentiated, so there was plenty of variety from which one could choose.
Almost any car could be had with three pedals, some offering that as the only choice.
Diesels were common, with Mercedes in the lead and others available.
All of these cars had distinctly different looks inside and out.
Nobody bought an Alfa for ride while nobody bought anything French for anything else other than great fuel economy.
The Brits still flogged old school two seaters while the Germans had the unmistakable look and feel of box Benzes and BMWs. You bought a BMW for the sporty engine and handling while you bought a Benz for the very compliant suspension.
Today, FWD is everywhere, diesels are rare and all of the cars in any given class look pretty much the same. They also seem to drive pretty much the same, although now as then more money buys more power.
For example, it's easy to confuse a mid-sized Merc with a Taurus.
Why does every car in each size class seem so similar these days?
What happened to diversity in look, mechanical elements and driving feel?
Maybe I'm just showing my age, but the days of cars that just look like they'd be fun to own and use seem to have passed.
You could still buy cars from France, Italy and the UK that were of indigenous design and appearance.
Japanese cars of the day were nothing like those built in the US and they had their own charms. Nothing from anyone revved like an early Civic 1500, even if it had no real power. In an 1800 lbs car, it felt fast.
Cars were heavily differentiated, so there was plenty of variety from which one could choose.
Almost any car could be had with three pedals, some offering that as the only choice.
Diesels were common, with Mercedes in the lead and others available.
All of these cars had distinctly different looks inside and out.
Nobody bought an Alfa for ride while nobody bought anything French for anything else other than great fuel economy.
The Brits still flogged old school two seaters while the Germans had the unmistakable look and feel of box Benzes and BMWs. You bought a BMW for the sporty engine and handling while you bought a Benz for the very compliant suspension.
Today, FWD is everywhere, diesels are rare and all of the cars in any given class look pretty much the same. They also seem to drive pretty much the same, although now as then more money buys more power.
For example, it's easy to confuse a mid-sized Merc with a Taurus.
Why does every car in each size class seem so similar these days?
What happened to diversity in look, mechanical elements and driving feel?
Maybe I'm just showing my age, but the days of cars that just look like they'd be fun to own and use seem to have passed.