Which Model Experienced the Most Significant Visual Change Between Generations? | Carscoops

      Some cars experience minimal design changes between generations, while others undergo significant transformations.

      Certain models evolve so gradually that one barely notices the differences until comparing a modern version to an original. Even when placing two Porsche 911s, separated by 60 years, side by side, the familial resemblance remains evident.

      Conversely, there are models that change so dramatically from one generation to another in their quest to keep up with trends that the familial links would nearly disappear if the badges were removed.

      I’m referring to the evolution of specific model lines over time rather than different vehicles sharing the same name across different eras. This leads me to ponder which cars have seen the greatest visual changes from one generation to the next.

      Here are a few examples we came up with, but feel free to share your own thoughts in the comments below.

      **1948 vs 1949 Ford**

      During WWII, car manufacturing shifted to military production, so when the war concluded, Ford and other manufacturers re-released models from 1942 as 1946 vehicles while developing completely new designs. Studebaker was the first of the Big Three to introduce European-style ‘ponton’ bodywork to the US with its 1947 Champion and Commander, but Ford’s 1949 models truly established the design direction for the following years.

      With lower rooflines, integrated fenders, smooth sides, and the removal of running boards, the new cars appeared significantly more contemporary. They were also fundamentally different from the ’48 models mechanically, adopting a ladder chassis and a novel driveshaft setup, as well as replacing the transverse leaf suspension with a coil and longitudinal leaf configuration.

      **1993 vs 1994 Chrysler New Yorker**

      The transformation was quite striking. One moment, the Chrysler New Yorker seemed like a creation of a child, haphazardly assembled with blocks and adorned with cheap fake wire wheels, and the next, it became a sleek, aerodynamic sedan featuring a modern cab-forward design.

      The new Chrysler LH platform allowed for an impressive increase of 8.7 inches (220 mm) in wheelbase, enhancing passenger space. This family of cars (including the New Yorker, Chrysler LHS, Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, and Eagle Vision) often goes overlooked today, which seems unfair considering their appealing aesthetics.

      **2023 vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe**

      Bringing this list into the present, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe traded its curves for sharper creases, a change that many consider a successful update, despite some noting that the rear end appears a bit awkward. When manufacturers make such dramatic design changes, they often rename the model to highlight its differences (like Ford Cortina to Sierra and LTD to Taurus), but in this case, the Santa Fe retains its name.

      We've highlighted three car pairs here, but there are numerous other examples, such as Cadillac’s transition from the bulky ’58 models to the sleek ’59s, and BMW’s leap from the E28 to the E34 5-Series. Which models do you believe experienced the most significant visual shift from one generation to the next, and which designs have remained faithful to their original forms over time? Share your views in the comments below.