Vehicle technology has advanced so much that even a vehicle that’s only a few years old can feel absolutely ancient.
There is a quantum leap between vehicles built today and those that came out in the 1990s, but there are a few standouts that managed to offer a driving experience that was way ahead of their time.
We’ve had the opportunity to drive many cars new and old, but a 1997 BMW E39 5-Series owned by a friend of Carscoops sticks out in our minds as a vehicle that still feels modern to this day. BMW has always been very good at creating a modern product, and when it comes to actual interior refinement and driving feel, the 5-Series had it right from the get-go.
The leather interior was comfortable and featured large bolsters to hold you in place, the shifter was perfectly notchy with a short throw, and the brakes provided a good feel for both sporty driving as well as regular traffic.
Read More: QOTD: What Car From The ’80s Or ’90s Would You Daily Drive Today?
Under the hood of our friend’s 5-Series was BMW’s 4.0-liter V8, but you would never know it while you were sitting in the passenger’s seat. Even after he chopped the mufflers off to let more of the V8 growl out, the interior remained comfortable and quiet without any rattles or vibrations.
Obviously, comparing the E39 to something like a modern 5-Series isn’t the same, but in terms of interior refinement and comfort, it’s likely on par with a new Hyundai Elantra or a Toyota Camry, and a heck of a lot more fun to drive.
The only thing that really set the BMW apart is the absence of electronic doodads that we’ve come to expect from today’s vehicles. Some trim levels of the E39 actually featured very early versions of infotainment, but our friend’s only had a CD player and an aux cord.
Unfortunately, the sedan also did another very BMW thing, which was to incur a $12,500 maintenance bill consisting of new struts, tires, timing cover leak, shifter leak, and a new radiator. He ended up selling it for $1,200.
So, what do you think? What 1990s cars still feel modern to you?
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