Well I know how things went in the US car industry, and how they are today. Interesting subject by the way.
My own experience about old vs new vacuums
Old
- better build quality
- heavier
- 2 stage slower rpm motor
- pleasant sounding
- good suction for wattage used
- poor filtaration
- bulky
- long lasting motor
New
- "ok" build quality
- more compact
- more convient to use
- lighter
- high-pitched motor sound (depending manufacturer)
- exelent filtaration
- better bags/good bagless system
- very good suction (not EU vacuums)
This was just a my opinion
