If dial gauges weren’t what you chuckleheads grew up with (I’m 38 so I understand the nostalgia) you’d realize they aren’t really all that well designed.

That’s not actually true, studies show that analog dials (or digital imitations) are better than regular numbers or bars as speed displays.

The thing about analog dials is that they offer a lower mental load than a simple number. Seeing the dial move is a better indication of speed change than a number changing, and the “wasted” space in the dial offers a comparative idea of how fast you’re going.

The human brain is just much better at perceiving relative changes than absolute ones. Seeing a 20 rise to 80 doesn’t convey as much info as seeing a dial in the bottom rise to the middle.

I want my average speed, instantaneous speed, average miles per gallon, instantaneous miles per gallon, range, engine temperature, music track, outside temperature, inside temperature, tire pressure, time, vehicle orientation, all at once. They’re normally all available, but hidden in different menus and screens.

The reason this information isn’t readily available is probably because putting more information only serves to increase the mental load on the driver which might cause distractions, and consequently, more accidents.