Why Analog Gauges Trump the Digital Dashboard: The Skinny with Craig Cole

Digital instrumentation is a major trend in the automotive business today. More and more companies are replacing traditional analog gauges with vibrant full-color screens, and to great effect. Audi has made a major push to digitalize its instruments and I’m a big fan of their easy-to-use systems, which you can get in the TT sports car, Q7 crossover and other models. But the four-ring brand isn’t the only one doing this. Jaguar is on board, so is Cadillac, Tesla and numerous other automakers. But for all of their flexibility and visual pizzazz, is something being lost in here?

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[DriverM]

When all cheap cars have digital then luxury cars will switch back to analog gauges similar to an expensive handmade Swiss watch.

[jhixx]

Biggest issues it’s digital gauge clusters are that they can be unreadable when there is glare on them. Instead of digital gauge clusters trying to produce their own light, analogue uses the light around them to illuminate them until nighttime where glare from the sun isn’t an issue so they have a back light to illuminate them

Another potential benefit of analogue gauge clusters are that they use more primitive technology compared to the digital counterparts which means they are less susceptible to tech shortages like the ongoing microchip shortage.

[RealtimeReviews]

These screens are cool until they break! And trust me they do.

[marinoint]

The major problem with the current digital screen gauges is that they don't have a low bluelight mode, and they flicker like older computer monitors, both of which are harmful and stressful to the eyes!

[KingHaggis]

Analog gauges are timeless, digital gauges will look dated after a couple years when buying a used car.

[hipposnakeyo]

I love love a well designed analog gauges!

[jasonhearn]

Facts most purists love analog gauges due to the simplicity and the term "customizable" is highly overrated these days.

[gedisdiop]

I could not agree with you more. Digital gauges look cool, but are difficult to look at, because they are CONSTANTLY changing.
Great video.

[whitb]

Old school instrument clusters were so beautiful, they were all different and unique. They mimicked aviation and space craft. Now they all look the same, no one ever says "wow look at that dash" anymore. It's a shame. Everything is plastic and dull.

[Countryguy]

I definitely prefer your traditional guages. Plus, all the digital stuff won't just distract you from the driving experience. But also distract people from keeping their eyes on the road

[CallMeCribby]

I like the Aston Martin approach ... best of both worlds ;-) Analog flash with the benefits of digital.

[_real_ask]

I completely agree, analogue gauges are an art form being lost.

There are generations who will never have the magnificent experience of their cars and truck communicating operating status to them directly. And their ability and knowledge to understand their vehicles.

Another troubling aspect of this issue is that it represents an ongoing separation of owner and driver control from their vehicles by automakers and government's. There was a feel of individual control with analogue gauges that is lost with computer driven, emissions controlled digital gauges.

I just realized this vid is 6 years old. It hasn't gotten any better, haha.

[adamlemus]

There was once a time I was a technology fanatic. But now tech bores me. It’s cheap, unremarkable and above all else disposable. The moment you have the newest and most cutting edge tech in your hand there is already a replacement for it coming down the pipe

[ErwinSchrodinger]

I have NEVER had or known anyone who has had a broken analog gauge. On the other hand, I already had to hear gripes from my mom's boss on her broken Jaguar cluster and my friends Audi digital gauge.  I just wish that some automotive companies would commission companies like Breitling, Bell & Ross, Oris, or any other high end company to design instrument panels.

[banstaman]

While I'm sure they're getting better, digital tachs are the most annoying because of the lag. They can be done correctly, though, but thus far they're absolutely horrible in Fords, Volvos and Cadillacs. Audis, Mercedes, and Lexus do digital gauges correctly.

[FreeKraps]

I like REAL analog gauges, not video game LCD screens

[npage.]

couldn't agree more. Ashton gauges are lovely agree on that too

[Slickpete]

someone should start a company that turns new cars back to analog gauges

[williamrivera]

This is same with polaroids, vinyls or film cameras. There is charm in analog instrumentation which may have suited previous generation, but when kids nowadays are smart phone savvy by the age of one, then it's only natural for car manufacturer's to design their car to meet new market requirements.

[kirara]

I haven't experienced digital clusters yet but glare on the screen at daylight and eye straining light at night are bound to be problem.