Hi,

It may seem like waffle to some,but cars were not very good (with a few notable exceptions) when I started in 1970. Power isn't the whole story. Of course, there were powerful cars running on tyres(often X ply),suspension and brakes that are vastly inferior to today both in terms of efficiency and quality. Only about half the cars on the road had seatbelts (which weren't worn), no collapsible steering columns, sharp projecting dash panels etc. No airbags either. People walk away from accidents at higher speeds now that would have caused death or serious injury not so long ago.
Car service intervals have increased dramatically over the past few years, made possible by huge advances in the life of consumables such as tyres, brakes,lubricants and wearing components. It seems inevitable that the MOT test will eventually go the same way.

Tom W