Analog or Digital. Which do you prefer?

[Eunos_Cosmo]

I've noticed recently that two distinct 'factions' have evolved within automotive journalism. You have people from the likes of Octane and Evo who seem to be bemoaning the loss of true 'analog' cars, and then it seems that many mainstream auto journalists are very welcoming of the new age of digital & hybrid cars. So which do you prefer, and why?

When it comes to sports cars I'm very analog. I've already decided I won't ever buy a car with so much as drive-by-wire throttle, I feel it is that intrusive and disruptive to the experience. This really relegates me to mostly cars from the 90s and older. I love some of the newer designs, but there is just too much going on behind the scenes for me in many of them.

Here is a very good Evo short. Oh what I would do for an F50, I'm so glad it's finally getting the appreciation it deserves.

 

[Badasp5.0]

Analog for sure.

 

[Slash]

I've going to say either. Personally, if it looks awesome, feels awesome, and I just like everything about it, I'll drive it. Not too picky about that, but I am picky about looks to begin with, so I guess that limits me in that respect. I'll lean towards analog, however not enough to change my either vote.

 

[Beeblebrox237]

I'd say analog. No amount of computer trickery can make a true driver's car; that requires a properly good chassis. I prefer analog cars, although I don't mind a few extra features in the luxuries department.

 

[Wolfe]

Computerized things aren't all bad, as long as they don't become an unnecessary PITA when they inevitably fail in the future. Every extra electric motor or sensor is just another thing to fail or break. Sometimes it just means an idiot light on the dash; other times, it's a real nuisance, or even dangerous. Like the haywire TCS on my fiancée's Intrepid that decided it would be fun to randomly clamp the brakes...and without illuminating the brake lights, naturally. It was gutted after that.

I prefer a car to be as simple, mechanical, and straightforward as possible -- in other words, analog. I'm really not a fan of "digitalizing" basic dashboard functions, as you see in integrated systems like Cadillac's CUE. I also thought it was dumb hubris on BMW's part to remove the dipstick on their engines and rely upon an oil level sensor (they've now reversed that decision). I see things like that going on in the industry today and I shake my head. But manufacturers aren't necessarily concerned with what it will be like to live with their cars in 10-20 years.

 

[Tornado]

I thought this thread was about gauges. Incredibly disappointed.

 

[Eunos_Cosmo]

That's a good idea. For a future discussion!

 

[Bopop4]

^
^Same.

Never driven a car without a drivebywire so I don't know the difference.

Glad they recognized the awesomeness of the F50 though.

 

[wrapture]

I refuse to drive my moms car because its automatic. The only digital car I like is the Tesla Roadster.

 

[motortrend]

Analog all the way, there's a reason analog dials still exist after all these years.

 

[Exorcet]

I thought this thread was about gauges. Incredibly disappointed.

That aside, it doesn't matter much to me. I don't mind the computers as long as the computers let me give all the commands, even if I end up backwards in a ditch.

 

[Slash]

That aside, it doesn't matter much to me. I don't mind the computers as long as the computers let me give all the commands, even if I end up backwards in a ditch.

The only time I hate them is when I have to repair them.

 

[Joey D]

Ideally I'd want a car that would use computers to compensate for my lack of driving skill. Since no one is a perfect driver and a computer can process information way quicker than a human can, it seems like a more digital car would be safer barring the person behind the wheel is still paying attention and driving to the best of their ability.

 

[xNEVER-ONEx]

Man, what a awesome video. Carrera GT is epic, and man that scream.

 

[niky]

I don't really care.

This is the same discussion that has come up about digital music (versus "analogue" music)... and while, back in the 80's and very early 90's, you could make a case that digital sampling was not at the point where it sounded as good as the old stuff, there's very little difference nowadays.

Humans are naturally attracted to stuff that has "texture". Grainy, meaty steering appeals to us in much the same way scratchy vinyl recordings do. But as with anything digital, you can develop electronic car systems to the point where the resolution is virtually the same as "analog"... or close enough that human senses can't tell the difference.

-

I see cars getting there. I've driven cars with drive-by-wire throttles and electric steering that are almost as feelsome as the best of the lot back from the mechanical days.

This is an improvement. Early electric throttles and steering were absolute garbage. Most continue to be absolute garbage because most carmakers don't care about the finer points of the art when they're building commuting appliances.

But the same can be said of most cars built back in the days of hydraulic assist. So that's not a new thing.

In the end, again, I don't really care what's underneath the hood.

As long as the car makes me happy, it'll make me happy, whatever the motivation or interface. And it won't be too long before they cross the uncanny valley, and become good enough that they'll make even the luddites happy, too.

 

[xNEVER-ONEx]

I don't really care.

This is the same discussion that has come up about digital music (versus "analogue" music)... and while, back in the 80's and very early 90's, you could make a case that digital sampling was not at the point where it sounded as good as the old stuff, there's very little difference nowadays.

Humans are naturally attracted to stuff that has "texture". Grainy, meaty steering appeals to us in much the same way scratchy vinyl recordings do. But as with anything digital, you can develop electronic car systems to the point where the resolution is virtually the same as "analog"... or close enough that human senses can't tell the difference.

-

I see cars getting there. I've driven cars with drive-by-wire throttles and electric steering that are almost as feelsome as the best of the lot back from the mechanical days.

This is an improvement. Early electric throttles and steering were absolute garbage. Most continue to be absolute garbage because most carmakers don't care about the finer points of the art when they're building commuting appliances.

But the same can be said of most cars built back in the days of hydraulic assist. So that's not a new thing.

In the end, again, I don't really care what's underneath the hood.

As long as the car makes me happy, it'll make me happy, whatever the motivation or interface. And it won't be too long before they cross the uncanny valley, and become good enough that they'll make even the luddites happy, too.

IMO nostalgia is the most powerful agent at work when it comes to old vs new discussions. People don't like change generally.

 

[Eunos_Cosmo]

That's not entirely true. The drive-by-wire throttle in my 2012 Mazda is actually bad enough for me to notice it constantly. I know what it's trying to do, it's trying to smooth out my throttle inputs so that the ride is less jerky. But I don't care about that when I'm trying to pin the throttle quickly changing lanes or downshifting for a corner. It's just very blatantly unsubtle most of the time. I actually don't mind the electric steering so much, it has much better feel than my RX7's recirculating ball setup, but it is one of the better e-steerings I've experienced.

 

[Leonidae@MFT]

Analog. Digital dislikes low temps.

 

[Nicksfix]

I don't really care.
In the end, again, I don't really care what's underneath the hood.

As long as the car makes me happy, it'll make me happy, whatever the motivation or interface. And it won't be too long before they cross the uncanny valley, and become good enough that they'll make even the luddites happy, too.

What he said. 👍

 

[AudiMan2011]

In the end, again, I don't really care what's underneath the hood.

As long as the car makes me happy, it'll make me happy, whatever the motivation or interface. And it won't be too long before they cross the uncanny valley, and become good enough that they'll make even the luddites happy, too.

I have to agree with this. 👍

 

[homeforsummer]

I thought this thread was about gauges. Incredibly disappointed.

+1

So which do you prefer, and why?

First, I voted either. My dream realistic garage right now would probably contain a Datsun 240Z *, completely analog, and some form of electric vehicle or hybrid, as close to completely digital as you can get. Earlier this year I drove a 240 and a Renault Zoe on the same day (and an AE86 and GT86, another interesting comparison), and loved every minute in each.

For completely different reasons, too. Analog is all about mechanical interaction, the noise, the smell, the feeling of driving; digital appeals to my geeky, sci-fi side, where people can do amazing things with electronics and everything feels like it's straight out of a sci-fi movie.

That's at the extremes of course. Most cars these days are somewhere in between the two, and generally the better for it. We still have a run of analog-feeling cars to drive, with the advances digitization has brought in areas like comfort, safety and security.

Autonomous cars are still my limit though - while I'm intrigued by the technology, I can't see myself ever wanting to give up on the actual process of driving a car. I'll leave that to those uninterested in it.

I've noticed recently that two distinct 'factions' have evolved within automotive journalism. You have people from the likes of Octane and Evo who seem to be bemoaning the loss of true 'analog' cars, and then it seems that many mainstream auto journalists are very welcoming of the new age of digital & hybrid cars.

With Octane and Evo, that's perhaps not surprising. Both mags are very down-to-earth with the process of driving (particularly Octane, which is very much about classic cars for the most part).

It surprises me more that many mainstream and consumer mags seem so skeptical of newer technology, when the market itself is very much heading towards a more digital experience - dual-clutch transmissions replacing manuals, for example. It often strikes me that the mainstream motoring media is more and more out of touch with reality. The specialist mags are if anything better at understanding that analog and digital have their respective places in the market.

All that said, that Evo vid is one of the best I've seen from any car-based media outlet. It's why, although I'm a big fan of the "digital" experience, as a car nut I'll never let go of completely analog cars. They are, when the moment is right, amazing fun.

 

[niky]

That's not entirely true. The drive-by-wire throttle in my 2012 Mazda is actually bad enough for me to notice it constantly. I know what it's trying to do, it's trying to smooth out my throttle inputs so that the ride is less jerky. But I don't care about that when I'm trying to pin the throttle quickly changing lanes or downshifting for a corner. It's just very blatantly unsubtle most of the time. I actually don't mind the electric steering so much, it has much better feel than my RX7's recirculating ball setup, but it is one of the better e-steerings I've experienced.

The 6 and MX5 are better... though you still notice the difference between them and older cable-throttle cars... you're never going to "lug" an e-throttle as bad as you can a cable one!

Most of the issues with e-throttles is they're programmed for emissions purposes, so, while you could theoretically make them as responsive as cable-throttles, manufacturers won't.

 

[eight6er]

I prefer analog, even though I wouldn't mind too much if digital was as good. I have yet to experience anything digital that gives anything near the feeling of my old AE86.

Having said that, even if digital did manage to feel the same, it would take some time for me to trust digital, as much as I would trust analog.

 

[Eunos_Cosmo]

The 6 and MX5 are better... though you still notice the difference between them and older cable-throttle cars... you're never going to "lug" an e-throttle as bad as you can a cable one!

Most of the issues with e-throttles is they're programmed for emissions purposes, so, while you could theoretically make them as responsive as cable-throttles, manufacturers won't.

And I suppose that's not entirely bad for an economy daily driver, I still find it irritating. That's ok, I have the 'right hear right now' throttle response of my RX-7 with it's twin choke 48mm carb and velocity stacks...when it's running again...

 

[Danoff]

Error 402, Thread to Vague:

Where it makes sense I like analog controls and feedback. Where analog doesn't make sense I like digital controls and feedback. I also don't like mixing, if a digital interface makes sense, it should be on or off, no thinking about it. If an analog control makes sense, it should be entirely analog, no poor digital approximation of analog.

For example, steering should be analog, braking should be analog, gas should be analog, grip should be analog, transmission should be digital, damping should be digital, safety equipment should be digital.

That's how I want the information conveyed to me, and I how I want to convey information. Whether the car accomplishes those things with electricity or mechanically I couldn't care less. What's going on behind the scenes is the engineers' business.

 

[kikie]

Daily driver in traffic, digital. Is safer to drive. But more electronics means more potential problems with cars.

On track during track days etc..., analog.

 

[MatskiMonk]

Daily driver in traffic, digital. Is safer to drive. But more electronics means more potential problems with cars.

On track during track days etc..., analog.

Shyeah, because mechanical bits never go wrong! Pretty sure nearly every expensive bill I've had with a car has been because of oily bits!!

 

[Northstar]

I chose either as it depends on the situation.

But the real reason I posted is to ask a question.

Are people that insecure they need to make crap like this into yet another thing to feed their need to feel superior over others? (although I don't see this getting anywhere near as bad as the manual/auto crap)

It really is stuff like this that makes me lose interest in car culture.

 

[homeforsummer]

Are people that insecure they need to make crap like this into yet another thing to feed their need to feel superior over others? (although I don't see this getting anywhere near as bad as the manual/auto crap)

Unless one or two unnamed members appear in this thread and start misrepresenting their opinions as facts, I see no reason this thread can't continue to be as civil as it has been so far.

I don't really see anything wrong with the OP's question either, nor how he posed it. I certainly don't see it as anyone trying to prove their superiority over anyone else - discussion so far has been pretty open and informative and people seem to be understanding others' points of views.

Though feel free to pose your question again in a week or two when the thread has started to degenerate...

 

[MatskiMonk]

Honestly, I think I'd be just as happy to drive an E30 M3 as an F82 M4, or a KPGC10 as an R35... I'm open to new car experiences, and I don't expect for them to necessarily all conform to a preconceived idea of what I'll enjoy.

I think there should always be a place for both on the market though, but since analogue includes more human error, I'm sure it will become rarer! Emissions, economy and safety!

Edit: and I darn sure don't want analogue audio in a car !