The Radiator Arms

When Did Cars Stop Getting Better?

The Radiator Arms

Show Notes

In this episode of The Radiator Arms podcast, hosts James, Ant, and Will debate when cars stopped getting better. From modern safety features to infotainment headaches, they explore whether automotive technology has peaked and why many enthusiasts feel the driving experience is getting worse.

🏎️ Topics Covered: • Are modern safety features doing more harm than good? • Has automotive technology peaked? • Is the driving experience getting worse in modern cars? • Classic vs. modern cars: Which delivers more enjoyment? • Infotainment issues and the hidden costs of car complexity.

🛠️ Plus, Real Stories: • Why lane-assist nearly caused a crash for James. • Ant's frustrations with overly sensitive safety systems. • Will explores if enthusiasts are better off with classic cars.

Bristols video mentioned: https://youtu.be/yTaWJRZnk2I

Featuring: https://www.youtube.com/@JayEmmOnCars @JayEmmOnCars https://www.youtube.com/@sportzntouring @sportzntouring https://www.youtube.com/@WillThePlank @WillThePlank

The Radiator Arms releases every Monday at 7AM on YouTube first, with audio versions following a week later on: • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7aUNIS6wZxbTqD67nL021h • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-radiator-arms/id1793343325 • Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/en/show/1001590761

Stay updated via the JayEmm Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/jayemm/the-jayemm-newsletter-sign-up

Submit your car for review: [email protected]

#TheRadiatorArms #SupercarOwnership #JayEmmOnCars #SPORTZNTOURING #WillThePlank #Podcast #CarCulture #AutomotivePodcast #RetroCars #DrivingExperience #ModernCarProblems #ClassicCars #CarDebate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from The Radiator Arms

Sep 20, 2026

After eight months away, James, Ant and Will are back at The Radiator Arms — catching up on what’s changed, what they’ve been driving, and where the last year has taken them.

Dec 31, 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, James, Ant and Will take a moment to reflect on how the year has shaped them as car people — from the cars they’ve driven and the experiences they’ve shared, to the moments that caught them off guard along the way.

Dec 29, 2025

Today we’re talking about the stuff even car enthusiasts get wrong on the road and on track — from confusing grip with handling, to misunderstanding weight transfer, to treating traction control like the enemy… and why “driving fast” still doesn’t automatically mean “driving well”.

Dec 22, 2025

This week, James, Ant and Will dig into the newly announced 3p-per-mile tax for EVs and ask the big question: will this ever actually happen? They explore what the tax means for everyday EV drivers, how it compares to the real-world running costs of petrol and diesel, and whether the policy makes sense at a time when manufacturers are already struggling to meet EV quotas.

Dec 15, 2025

It’s Christmas at The Radiator Arms, which means one thing: car-enthusiast gift chaos. James, Ant and Will go through the best, worst and most confusing Christmas car gifts — from genuinely useful tools and model cars to the presents no petrolhead actually wants. They also talk about nostalgic childhood gifts, bargain ideas, and the things you should probably avoid putting under the tree.

See all episodes →