[jeff s]

They stack up well.
Our 65 Pontiac Tempest won the overall autocross competition on Hot Rod Power Tour in 2010, beating 168 cars including ZO6 vettes, Porsches, Ford GT, Shelby GT500, RX8, 350Z, etc, etc. It has run 12.36 in the 1/4 mile. At Car Craft 2009 it beat AUdi R8, a couple Vipers, Z06 etc, it wasnt the overall fastest, but was in the hunt. We recorded 1.08 with Chris Jacobs 66 Chevelle, when Randy owned it. Our Vega is a low budget car that finished 3rd in the AX at Holley LS fest, and 2nd at Car Craft RSE beating a number of late model cars. That has run 11.98 and I hope to hit 10's on spray.

The cost to build an old car to current car performance levels is probably more than buying the new car in most cases.
However, anyone can go out and sign on the dotted line for a new car.