i've been engaged in a debate with my self about my desire to have a "friday car" to bomb around in that would be some manual funmobile like a Triumph TR6, a Mazda Miata, Datsun 240z, an Opel GT or similar. The Miata is winning because it would do what the other cars do with modern safety, handling, and bluetooth.
Jay Leno (who is a villain in the Late Night Wars but on cars is very interesting) always endorses modern over classic. His arguments are persuasive. Seinfeld in those Comedian in Cars videos seems to embrace the other direction. Its a debate.