Cars of the Past

Yes, old cars had a simpler design. They didn't have complex electronics, dozens of sensors, or safety systems. Everything was "iron" and straightforward: the engine, transmission, and a minimum of wiring. But simplicity didn't mean reliability.

Frequent breakdowns. Carburetor engines required regular adjustments, and spark plugs were changed much more frequently than today.

Rust. The bodies of old cars were quickly attacked by corrosion, especially in countries with humid climates and in winter, where roads are salted.

Maintenance every 5,000 km. Oil, filters, and other consumables were changed several times more frequently than in modern cars.

Yes, many cars lasted for decades, but that was because their owners constantly repaired them.

Modern Cars

Today, even budget cars are significantly more reliable:

Engines last 200,000–300,000 km without major repairs if properly maintained.

Bodies are galvanized, making rust much less common.

Maintenance intervals have increased: oil is changed every 10,000–15,000 km, spark plugs every 50,000–100,000 km.

Electronics warn of problems, allowing for proactive troubleshooting.

Yes, modern cars do have a drawback: they are difficult to repair. If something breaks, not every mechanic can handle it, and parts and labor are more expensive. But these cars break down significantly less often than their "grandfathers."

Where does this myth come from?

People often remember not breakdowns, but nostalgia—"how the whole family used to go to the dacha in a Volga or a Zhiguli."

Old cars that have "survived" to this day are usually successful examples. Those that broke down constantly have long since rotted away in junkyards.

Modern cars require less attention, and drivers think that "they knew how to make machines back then," when in reality, they simply spent more time under the car with a wrench.

Bottom Line

Old cars weren't more reliable—they were simpler. Modern cars are more complex and expensive to repair, but they break down much less frequently and last longer with proper care.