When I drive my classics I occasionally get from people (read arseclowns) the old "but a WRX (as example) goes better than your old V8 goes with less cubic inches and more economy"
My standard answer is this. I like to use my FE as an example.
My engine was designed in the mid fifties. It debuted in 1958 and its truck version, the FT, finished up in 1978. It has powered everything from pony cars, mid size and full size. It has also powered irrigation pumps, air raid sirens, cruising boats , power boats and trucks. It won LeMans, many NASCAR races, sports car races, many drag racing titles, off road racing titles, formed the basis of the first top fuel motors, won powerboat championships. It still hold records in some drag classes today. It is equally at home carting 4 adults and a couple of kids across continents in a full size Galaxie towing a horse float, boat or race car if you will. A fresh standardish one with tall gears and a stock converter will yield quite impressive economy. If it breaks down it can be fixed on the road side with a spoon. Driven kindly and serviced regularly it is not uncommon for them to go half a million miles plus. 40 years after it finished as a passenger car engine I can still buy better new parts than ever.
What were you saying about that POS in a WRX?
I own a couple of old classics along with a BA Fairmont and a VW Turbo diesel. I feel so much better driving the classics. If it wasn't for the wife having to drive it occasionally I would have an old 60's car as a daily. Albeit with air and simple efi. Most people think old cars drive like crap because that's what they have driven, old cars. They are worn out when they drive them. Driven a high kays EA or XF lately? Put fresh OEM style parts through an old 60's car and the gap aint that big.
FTW old cars rock!
