Vintage car or classic car, can you tell the difference? They sound as if they could be describing the same vehicle. The differences can be hard to distinguish. Especially since these periods happened back to back. Let’s take a look at the eras these cars were created.

Era
Vintage cars are older than classic cars. There is a little discrepancy when the vintage era ends. Everyone agrees that the vintage era began in 1919. Some believe that it ended in 1925; others feel it ended in 1930. The Classic Car Club of America is on the side of it ending in 1925. 1930 is the year that the British claim the vintage car era ended and the classic car era began.
The Vintage Era
Before the vintage era, cars were for the elite. Only those from the more prominent families were available to afford them. This era also changed the look and practicality of vehicles. The vintage era took cars from horseless carriages to something more comfortable. Instead of having opening these cars had closed-bodies. Now the wind and rain wouldn’t be able to disturb those traveling safely inside. The engines also made a massive leap in this era.
Popularity
With all the significant changes in cars during the vintage era, they gained more popularity. With the better engines making them more efficient, more people were taking the plunge to buy. With the increase in car owners, businesses began to take advantage. During this time, drive-ins took off. Whether it was drive-in food or movies, they began to pop up everywhere.

The Classic Era
Just like the vintage era, the classic era has been a little hard to nail down. Between the years of 1925 and 1948 are when the classic cars were created. Others believe that a classic car is a car 25 years or older.
New Designs
The cars built in the classic era were the start of the sleek designs. Convenience was the problem of the last era. This period was all about impressing with their new body styles. Another interesting fact is that they did not mass produce when the new styles of cars were coming out. Fewer cars on the lot make them in higher demand now. Toward the end of the classic era, they made some cheaper small cars to cater to the needs of those with a tighter income.
Safety
Vintage cars or classic cars neither have the safety that is needed today. The vintage era made cars safer by closing them in, but that’s not enough. The classic era improved the mechanics of vehicles. Neither era added safety belts or any time of airbag. The bodies of these cars were not made to take a beating. If you are thinking about restoring a car from either period, you will want to pay attention to all the safety features you need to add.
Take a closer look when checking out the next car show. Will you be able to spot the differences?
Yes ,I love them both ,
Love unique cars
Those of the era definitely better and more resistant
I am a 1956 ford builder the 56 was the best looking of any of the fifties.
i Love restoring the 1955 through 1965 Corvetts. They are a lot of fun!
I am building a 70 Dodge dart swinger with my 10 yr young son the Mopar is an og 6 car getting a 440/727 swap and got the 83/4 rear swap with a front disc brake conversion at this point I’m full filling a life long dream in my opinion 70s and older mid to full size cars were the real deal the 50s cars were built with the strength of a train the 80s ultimately killed off the car as we or I know it being bourn in the early 70 I should’ve been bourn in the mid 40s I would’ve loved to be a teen during the 50s I could only imagine how much fun it was back then
I think the older cars are much easier to work on
And safer they r both very nice cars
My husband and I met in 85. He owned a 1969 Dodge Coronet back then. I hated it. It was so big, heavy and rode like a tank. He eventually got rid of it and we bought a Cutlass Salon. Although I loved the Cutlass more at the time, I am constantly kicking myself in the butt for talking him into getting rid of the Coronet years ago. Boy would I like to have that car now. It’s one of those, woulda, coulda, shoulda moments. I feel the same way about a couple of other cars we have had thru the years. Among the Cutlass and the Coronet we had a 1971-2 Pontiac LeMans, a 1974 Mustang, a 1979 Camaro and a 1969 Chevy Nova. Not if I only knew them what I know now.