I realize that we are in a different world than we were in the middle 1960s or a bit later. When we were getting used to wearing seat belts. When "cup holders" were shallow indentions in the inside of the glove box door. When young kids were either held in their parent's arms or sat beside/between them in the front seat . . . whose spring-loaded elbows deployed during a quick stop. And car trunks were big enough to support a 2-week summer vacation.
Other than the "aircraft style" disc brakes on the 1953 or so Imperials, the disc brakes we came to know were specifically for "sports cars" from Europe and 1963 and later Corvettes. FEW people knew how to work on them, except in larger metro areas or at niche race car shops, by observation. People who lived in hilly or mountainous areas knew how to modulate their brake applications and to use lower gears on the road. So, in one respect, people knew how to drive defensively rather than just drive oblivious to the outside world. With FEW distractions other than looking somewhere else or changing the radio station, for example. In the areas where applicable, the better brake linings/shoes were known and sold as needed, I suspect.
Drag racers came to like disc brakes so they could better slow down for the last turn onto the pit return road, too.
But now we are in a world of social media, text allerts, etc and other things which can vie for the driver's attention. Even in-dash navigation systems that talk!
I know we are supposed to drive and enjoy our vintage vehicles (hard to consider a '65 Imperial, or similar, "vintage" in the same way as a Model T Ford), but traffic and "that other person" we are supposed to be watching and being ready for them to do something flaky make such driving enjoyment variable in when and where it can be done safely (for all involved).
We've also become accustomed to high-traction tires and anti-lock brake systems, too. "Stomp the brakes and Steer", rather than manually modulate/pulse the brakes to maintain steering control during the stop (which means the driver "knows" their vehicle and how it responds to brake and steering inputs).
Disc brakes CAN be better than drums, but usually not so much on that ONE FIRST stop (even from 70mph) that matters, usually. It's on those second, third, and fourth stops where fade resistance is important that disc brakes really shine. Plus, a bit easier and quicker to change pads rather than shoes.
Drive defensively. Leave yourself "an out" whenever possible.
Just some thoughts and observations,
CBODY67
