Is the '08 Mustang better, more refined, safer? Absolutely. But you could get a '68 with all the functions of an '08 as far as driving is concerned: power steering and brakes, A/C, power windows, auto trans. Also, an '08 driver would have no problem with the '68. None of this can be said for the Model A.
Sorry guys, but I have been out of town for the past week and am just now catching up on the chatter.
I would like to summarize the design/buy/build process as I am familiar with.
Typically, engineers design a system, say a transmission. They define such things as size, weight, performance characteristics (e.g., number of speeds and ratios), and interface parameters (input/output specs., linkage types/locations), etc., etc., etc., along with the MTBF target. That is collectively called a spec. It is now up to the tranny manufacturers and their engineers to decide what components to use in manufacturing that system. They will select bearings, gears, etc, that will produce the end product being ordered by the manufacturer at a competitive price for the targeted MTBF. If the specified tranny MTBF from GM is, for example 2200 hours, the tranny manufacturer is not going to use bearings having a life of 8000 hours and costing double what a 2200 hour bearing would cost for a given load design. All components going into that tranny would be selected based on a targeted MTBF of 2200 hours. We may not have access to such data, but most all rotating components are specified that way.
Now back to my original statement; manufacturers have staffs of engineers that continually analyze components over time to see if opportunities exist to lower the design expectation (e.g., cost) for any component that is over-designed. Its called Value Engineering, a concept originally developed by RCA. Each vehicle, be it a luxury car or truck, has a MTBF calculation that is designed to satisfy the majority of the targeted customers; no more and no less. Its strictly a numbers game.
“Is the '08 Mustang better, more refined, safer? Absolutely. But you could get a '68 with all the functions of an '08 as far as driving is concerned: power steering and brakes, A/C, power windows, auto trans. Also, an '08 driver would have no problem with the '68.”
“Now back to my original statement; manufacturers have staffs of engineers that continually analyze components over time to see if opportunities exist to lower the design expectation (e.g., cost) for any component that is over-designed. Its called Value Engineering, a concept originally developed by RCA. Each vehicle, be it a luxury car or truck, has a MTBF calculation that is designed to satisfy the majority of the targeted customers; no more and no less. Its strictly a numbers game.”
This is were technology has shown exponential growth in automobile engineering.
We can argue all day about how much or little difference there is in the functionality of todays cars vs yesterday…the fact remains.
Though they appear to have changed little, the “hidden” engineering as shown dramatic growth. PLEASE read “Francizek”'s post. Just an example. The use of the computer and it’s increase in power dramatically affects car design.
These are tech. considerations never thought of years ago.
What about the use of different materials which has changed dramatically of late.
Ya, and a 68 could run on flex fuel, survive a 100 mph crash, be made of substantial different materials etc. as an 08, and still look an function the same. I guess that 0-60 in 9 sec for both must mean they haven’t changed a bit.
And there you have it…engineers whose job is to look for opportunities to lower design expectations. Cars are designed for the most part to make a profit…not just good will.