Some interesting stuff about the shape/size of old and new cars, overlays photoshopped. A current model Buick is *far* more space - efficient than the monstrous 1959 Cadillac, those old huge 50's - 70's sedans might have been big, but pretty poor ergonomics. Of course it is somewhat "apples and oranges", as the current Buick is not the RWD four - door sedan of yore. What is interesting that many of today's vehicles are shape - wise very reminiscent of 1930's cars.
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/design/the-changing-shapes-of-cars-the-buick-encore-overlaid-on-some-earlier-cars/
The Changing Shapes of Cars, 1932-2020: The Buick Encore Overlaid On Some Earlier Cars
"CC reader and Cohort poster Chris Cieslak sent me an overlay he made in Photoshop of a current Buick Encore and a more recent car, inspired by seeing the two on the street. I liked it and encouraged him to make some more, including this one with the classic ’59 Cadillac. Yes, these are perfectly to scale. And guess which one has much better accommodations for its passengers? These Cadillacs (and others from this vintage) are surprisingly cramped, in today’s standards...
Starting with a 1932 Ford. Looks so old fashioned, tall and short...But it’s almost exactly the same height and length of the Encore. And similar ground clearance. But there’s not even a comparison in terms of comfort and space, as the Ford’s body sits way up on top of its frame and is much narrower...
From the comments section:
Mike B
Posted December 4, 2020 at 5:18 PM
Let’s compare width now and tell me which is roomier. Those 50s and 60s Caddys will have you beat hands down with headroom to wear your fedora while driving. Plus, traveling over potholes and poor roads is silky smooth, unlike anything available today. Different times.
Paul Niedermeyer
Posted December 4, 2020 at 6:32 PM
No question the ’59 Cadillac is wider. But unless you’re carrying three, which is very uncomfortable, the extra width is quite wasted.
As to headroom, you’re quite mistaken. The ’59 Cadillac has shockingly poor headroom, due to the it sitting on top of a frame and the low roof. Good luck wearing a fedora, unless you’re short. The last time I sat in one a few years back, I was shocked at how cramped I felt. It might have been fairly roomy for 1959 standards, but not for modern standards.
As to the ride, that’s debatable too. If you like wallowing, yes, it wallowed better. But “handling” is not in its brief..."
</>