My first car was a '68 mustang, 289 2v with a C4. Basic car, nothing fancy. Driving my '66 Galaxie convertible 428 2/4v C6 brings back that feeling. Wind in the hair - yup. Every nerve aware - that too. Adrenaline surge - yup.
My BMW is a much better car - much better brakes, electrics, headlights, handling, everything.
But the old car puts a grin on my face you can't take off with a belt sander.