Contemporary Vehicles versus Antique Vehicles - Assignment Example

Contemporary Vehicles versus Antique Vehicles Introduction The basic concepts of cars have not changed much over the years since they were first brought into the market. While it can be easy to distinguish an antique car from a contemporary car based on outward appearances, the basic concepts of engine design and a lesser extent, engine functionality, have largely remained the same. Currently, the engine found in the old Ford Model T has many similarities to its relative, the 2011 Ford Fusion (Richardson, 2016). This paper seeks to compare the qualities and characteristics of contemporary and antique cars. Crucial factors that will be analyzed include the engine design, bodywork, cost of maintenance, and efficiency as well as safety measures. When it comes to cars, there are many subjective perspectives that govern choices relating to the purchasing of cars. While there are many attributes to look for in any car, the most divisive element in the automotive world is concerned with the age of a car. There are those who opt for classic and antique cars while some do are more enticed by contemporary cars due to reasons such as speed, safety, and fuel efficiency (Deaton, 2011). Either way, the reasons behind such choices are usually legitimate. As mentioned before, the basic structure of engines in cars has largely remained the same in that they use the same principles to operate. They combust air and fuel in high temperatures, which are then utilized to create rotational forces that move the cars. However, consumer tastes and preferences have resulted in the evolution of cars to become more adept at responding to the needs of consumers (Richardson, 2016). Contemporary Vehicles Contemporary cars are used to refer to cars that have been designed and manufactured in recent times. They are modern cars that have been designed using modern advanced technological concepts and principles to fit into the demands of the late 20th and the 21st-century consumer. Consumers in contemporary times are increasingly aware of their rights and have become vocal concerning their needs and specific requirements such as safety, speed, and environmental sustainability (Buckley & Rees, 2005). As mentioned, there is little variation in engine design and functionality as compared to antique cars. However, contemporary cars have had their engines designed to fit into the demands of the modern times such as the city life. Antique Vehicles According to the Antique Car Club of America (ACCA), an antique car is described as a vehicle that is more than 25 years old and has been completely restored to the extent that it is in full running order. However, many definitions are given to the term “antique cars”. At the same time, the term “antique” is usually replaced with the word “classic” in some cases (Sedgwick, 1981). The Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) defines a Classic car as a vehicle that was manufactured between the year 1925 and 1948 and has been fully restored and is running well (McDougall, 2014). In similar fashion to the ACCA, the definition of a classic car may vary depending on the organization one is dealing with at that particular point in time. Often, these terms are used interchangeably and with the loose definitions provided, some people have come to describe cars designed even in the early 1990s as classic cars. The general attitude towards antique cars is that they need to be older than 25 years (Sedgwick, 1981) Comparison Firstly, these cars have been designed to be safer as compared to antique vehicles. Modern cars have evolved to utilize space more effectively than their predecessors because of the utilization of tools such as restraints and airbags. Airbags are now useful in protecting the heads of drives even when a car rolls over multiple times (McDougall, 2014). As will be mentioned later, older cars were only reliant on their sizes to protect occupants from the impact. Another aspect of contemporary cars is that they can easily bend when involved in various forms of collisions. For many lovers of older cars, this is usually cited as a weakness. However, the logic behind such a strategy is such that it allows for the car to bend in more precise moments, thus, causes them to absorb most of the impact as compared to the passengers (Richardson, 2016). The modern engines in contemporary cars are more efficient as compared to those in antique cars. Cars use gasoline as their main source of energy. However, the chemical energy in gasoline is only converted to mechanical energy at a rate of 15%. According to the Environment Protection Agency, about 17% of gasoline’s energy is lost as the engine lies in idle mode while 62% is lost due to factors such as heat and friction (Deaton, 2011). However, contemporary cars are now designed with new technologies, such as direct injection, that make the utilization of chemical energy more efficient. Additionally, modern engines are designed to work smarter as compared to antique cars. In essence, they do not have to work as hard as the engines used in antique cars (McDougall, 2014). For example, an old V-8 engine would have all eight cylinders working at full capacity, whether the car was idling or accelerating since all eight cylinders would be receiving the same amount of fuel at the same time. However, new technologies are now designed with cylinder deactivation technologies that govern the running of these cylinders, thus, making engines efficient. Their ability to be economical makes them efficient and in tune with the demands of consumers living in the 21st century. Despite their small engine sizes, they are also packaged with better power, thus, making them faster than antique cars (Deaton, 2011). Antique cars are more stylish as compared to contemporary cars. For many people, it can be difficult to distinguish the many models that come out of manufacturing sites since most of them have been designed in a way that looks familiar (Richardson, 2016). However, antique cars were designed with a specific mindset and a target. There were no computers actually to design these vehicles as they were designed by hand. The body types had distinct colorings that were interesting since it mattered to people that a car possessed a unique personality that matched with that of the owner (McDougall, 2014). Another factor that should be considered is that antique cars have very low maintenance costs as compared to contemporary cars. It is very easy for the owner of an antique car to do most of the mechanical work in a car including servicing. A part of this outcome is related to the fact that these cars were designed with simplicity at its core (Buckley & Rees, 2005). The absence of computers to model these cars makes them very conducive for users to learn about their mechanical operations, thus, find a way of manipulating them to fit according to taste (Richardson, 2016). Contemporary cars are heavily steeped in computerized engineering and electronics, thus, making it difficult for the consumer to service their cars should they break down. The presence of so many electronics in contemporary cars makes it very expensive to service them about the labor and the level of expertise needed to handle these cars. Every mechanical aspect of an antique car can be stripped and be rebuilt which cannot be said of modern cars. The electronic devices in these cars need to be replaced and renewed many times during the lifetime of a car. Some of the electronic components are rather expensive, thus, making antique cars cost effective at the end (Sedgwick, 1981). The most loved aspect about antique cars is that they have the ability to appreciate once they have been restored to full functionality. As compared to contemporary cars, these vehicles are usually a collector’s item and serve to provide aesthetic value to their owners. In essence, they are not usually regarded as utility items, as such, they appreciate in value quickly compared to contemporary cars, which depreciate from the moment they are released from the showroom (Sedgwick, 1981). Antique cars are less safe as compared to contemporary cars. They do not have adequate safety measures, and this makes them dangerous to operate on roads. Their tires are narrower, thus, offering very little traction on the road. One may decide to fit wider tires to them, but it can be a futile endeavor since these cars are not designed with power steering. Wider tires have a better grip on the road, and this requires more power when it comes to steering the car; something that antique cars cannot provide unless they are designed in that manner (Sedgwick, 1981). Antique cars were usually designed to be big, and this aspect had the effect of lessening the impact of accidents to drivers and their passengers. Their big sizes created a larger area for any impact to occur, thus, making diminishing its effect by the time it reached the occupants. However, technological developments have resulted in cars that are smaller but safer as compared to antique cars (Richardson, 2016). Conclusion Both contemporary and antique cars apply the same principles when it comes to the functionality of the engines. However, steady advances in technology have resulted in a situation whereby contemporary cars are faster, safer, and more efficient as compared to antique cars. Despite the small sizes of the engines, these cars have more power, thus, making them fast and fuel-efficient at the same time (Deaton, 2011). Fuel efficiency is largely an issue to do with the development of better management of engine systems and their utilization of fuel. On the other hand, antique cars are more stylish and unique as compared to their counterparts. They are also easily manageable concerning maintenance costs due to a minimal presence of electronics in their design. They have the ability to increase in value as compared to modern cars (Richardson, 2016). However, they are not as safe as contemporary cars, which have been designed to increase their safety to passengers. As such, contemporary cars are still better as compared to antique cars as they offer more value for money overall with regards to safety as well as efficiency. Antique Cars Contemporary Cars References Buckley, M. & Rees, C. (2005). The world encyclopedia of cars. London: Lorenz. Deaton, J. (2011). 5 Ways Modern Car Engines Differ from Older Car Engines. HowStuffWorks. Retrieved 7 August 2016, from http://auto.howstuffworks.com/5-ways-modern-car-engines-differ-from-older-car-engines.htm McDougall, D. (2014). Modern Cars Vs Classic Cars. Autosaur. Retrieved 7 August 2016, from http://www.autosaur.com/modern-cars-vs-classic-cars/ Richardson, J. (2016). Old Cars Are Better Than Modern Cars | Hemmings Motor News. Hemmings.com. Retrieved 7 August 2016, from http://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hcc/2014/01/Old-Cars-Are-Better-Than-Modern-Cars/3733601.html Sedgwick, M. (1981). Antique cars. New York: Exeter Books. The Visual dictionary of cars. (1992). New York. Read More