I get your point. I have the desire to build an old vehicle of some sort, probably will end up being a first gen bronco for my wife for this very reason. It'll be all a simple vehicle, nuts and bolts for the most part (besides engine management).
Comparing old tech to new tech is pointless. The new tech is so much faster at everything, there is no point to compare.
Drive what you like, buy what you like, and enjoy.