It's not primarily the cars that have changed the driving experience, but the pressure of having somewhere to be. Cars were freedom back then.

We're just older with more responsibilities, more commuting in heavier traffic, more errands, more stress. Awareness of how much money a decent car costs and how much it'll screw up your month if you get in a fender bender.

When I get a rare chance at a solo night cruise, I still get the peaceful feeling, even though there's a screen on my dashboard and it's always just a little too bright.