The biggest problem with old[er] cars is that they don't compare to modern safety systems like large crumple zones and advanced airbags. There are many examples where even a 1-year gap in make year will greatly increase the safety of passengers:
I drove an 1983 Land Rover. The joke is that the other vehicle is your crumple zone, and I’m quite conscious that if I hit anything I will break my nose (again) on the steering wheel.
