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rice_classic · 02-21-2013, 04:05 PM

My dad owned an MG-TD. He's 72.

OP is OLD!

Times have changed. Just as you don't expect to be able to ride a horse and buggy down the interstate. Different world, different production capabilites, massive leaps in technology and thus a natural correspondence in expectations in relation to what's available in the world today.

In 1932, It would be strange to expect 30mpg's with HD radio, push button start, remote keyless entry and heck, RADIAL TIRES, not to mention computer controlled fuel injection, 100hp/liter or crumple zones. In fact it'd be unimaginable in 1932. On most (if not all) cars of that day it's be crazy to expect disc brakes or overhead cams! But alas, today we have expectations of what's both abundantly available and inexpensive to produce and there's nothing wrong with those expectations! They are equivalent to the expectations of car buyers of the 1930's in expecting what's available at the time, and this time is different then that time. We want/expect what's available and affordable of what's being produced today, with current production capabilities and current/existing levels of technology.

Other than the luxuries mentioned in the OP, the parts regarding safety and efficiency are ludicrous. We should have high expectations of safety and efficiency/cleanliness. Remaining alive and breathing clean air, not to mention consuming less oil... last time I checked... pretty damn good things.

Back in early days of Formula 1 there was no focus on safety and multiple folks died every year until 1976 (first year in F1 with no fatality). Now technology and safety standards have massively advanced. Today we don't expect drivers to die every year now do we? Of course not, we expect the opposite.

When it comes to efficiency, our expectations of our cars is not high enough IMHO. This is why I'm excited about SkyActiv-D. It's meeting an expectation I've had about cars/engines for the last 5-10 years.

It does society no good to preach the lowering of expectations. Our expectations should always be a step beyond what available today regardless of how tough life was when "I was your age".

02-21-2013, 04:05 PM	#39
rice_classic Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Drives: Nevermorange FRS Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 4,173 Thanks: 757 Thanked 4,208 Times in 1,808 Posts Mentioned: 78 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s)	My dad owned an MG-TD. He's 72. OP is OLD! Times have changed. Just as you don't expect to be able to ride a horse and buggy down the interstate. Different world, different production capabilites, massive leaps in technology and thus a natural correspondence in expectations in relation to what's available in the world today. In 1932, It would be strange to expect 30mpg's with HD radio, push button start, remote keyless entry and heck, RADIAL TIRES, not to mention computer controlled fuel injection, 100hp/liter or crumple zones. In fact it'd be unimaginable in 1932. On most (if not all) cars of that day it's be crazy to expect disc brakes or overhead cams! But alas, today we have expectations of what's both abundantly available and inexpensive to produce and there's nothing wrong with those expectations! They are equivalent to the expectations of car buyers of the 1930's in expecting what's available at the time, and this time is different then that time. We want/expect what's available and affordable of what's being produced today, with current production capabilities and current/existing levels of technology. Other than the luxuries mentioned in the OP, the parts regarding safety and efficiency are ludicrous. We should have high expectations of safety and efficiency/cleanliness. Remaining alive and breathing clean air, not to mention consuming less oil... last time I checked... pretty damn good things. Back in early days of Formula 1 there was no focus on safety and multiple folks died every year until 1976 (first year in F1 with no fatality). Now technology and safety standards have massively advanced. Today we don't expect drivers to die every year now do we? Of course not, we expect the opposite. When it comes to efficiency, our expectations of our cars is not high enough IMHO. This is why I'm excited about SkyActiv-D. It's meeting an expectation I've had about cars/engines for the last 5-10 years. It does society no good to preach the lowering of expectations. Our expectations should always be a step beyond what available today regardless of how tough life was when "I was your age". __________________ SCCA T4 - FRS