Government emissions and fuel economy standards have driven a golden age of development and innovation in automotive technology. Compared with those of 50 years ago, current automotive engines are incomparably superior in efficiency and specific output, not to mention overall emissions.
I am kind of a nostalgist about old cars, but I am not one of those numerous old farts who will tell you that the old cars were actually better. They weren’t. In fact, in some respects, the US industry made very little progress in the 30 years after World War II. Engine output grew exponentially, to be sure, but only because of leaded fuel and larger displacement. Compare the specs if you don’t believe it. For instance, the General Motors “C” platform originated in the 1930s and remained the basis for GM “full size” cars until 1984.