3 ms·

A 20 year old car today is heavily dependent on software, and they still seem to work.

• frosted-flakes 7y ago
  Are they though? The software in 20 year old cars is more akin to that in a digital wristwatch (as in, super basic and never needs updating). Also, old cars contain far more electro-mechanical components than software. In comparison, modern cars are Internet-connected computers on wheels (especially Teslas). For example, my 1999 VW has a mechanical headlight switch, dead simple mechanical starter engagement, manually-controlled climate controls (there's a direct physical connection between the dials and the flaps), electro-mechanical wiper control relay module, a basic self-contained radio, manual windows, and directly switched interior lights. Heck, the only thing that is computer-controlled is the engine timing, fuel injection, turbo actuator, dashboard dials, ABS, accelerator pedal/cruise control, airbags, and locks. And my car is hardly out of the ordinary.
  • mikeash 7y ago
    Software doesn’t just fail, though. If it works today, it’ll work tomorrow. You could lose features that depend on connectivity, but you’ll still be able to drive.
    • frosted-flakes 7y ago
      Doesn't the 3 model require a phone to unlock, and if you want a separate fob, you need to pay extra? What happens when the phone app is no longer available? I don't like that it doesn't even have a mechanical key.
      • mikeash 7y ago
        It comes with key cards and you can program additional key cards in the car.
• deleted 7y ago
  [deleted]