Then & Now: 44 Photos Comparing Car Companies’ Debut vs Latest Models

Take a fascinating visual journey, placing the very first creations of iconic car manufacturers side-by-side with their most advanced contemporary offerings. Get ready to witness a century or more of design leaps, engineering marvels, and shifting automotive dreams, all captured in striking comparisons that reveal just how far we’ve come.

Karl Benz wasn’t just adding an engine to a carriage; he designed the first true automobile from the ground up. This groundbreaking innovation earned him the patent and recognition as the automobile inventor. In a historic moment in 1889, his wife and sons became the world’s first motorists, embarking on a family visit in this revolutionary vehicle.

The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is a high-end two-seater roadster blending open-top luxury with powerful performance, featuring a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine that delivers 577 horsepower, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 4.0 seconds with 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission. A distinctive two-tone paint finish highlights its opulent design, an illuminated Maybach grille, rose gold accented headlights, and 21-inch Maybach forged wheels, while the interior showcases Nappa leather, Maybach emblems, and the MBUX multimedia system, complemented by a Maybach-patterned insulated soft-top.

The Daimler Motorized Carriage, sold starting in 1892, was the first car produced by German engineers Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. This vehicle featured a Phaeton body style, a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, and was powered by a 462 cubic centimeter single-cylinder engine. Weighing 639 pounds, it had a wheelbase of 1,300 millimeters, a length of 2,530 millimeters, a width of 1,475 millimeters, and a height of 1,695 millimeters, eventually being succeeded by the Daimler Stahlradwagen.

The Daimler Super Eight marked the end of an era, being the last independent car produced by the Daimler Company. Its production ceased in 2009, following the acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover by India’s Tata Group. This model was among the final independent Daimler vehicles before the brand was fully integrated into the Jaguar lineup.

The roots of truck manufacturing in Leyland trace back to 1896, when James Sumner and Henry Spurrier founded The Lancashire Steam Motor Company. Their initial venture was a 1.5-tonne capacity steam van. Little could the two friends have imagined that their partnership would blossom into an astonishing success, bringing global recognition to Leyland and creating a legacy that would endure for generations of its residents.

In 1987, Leyland’s truck and bus operations underwent significant restructuring; the truck division merged with the Netherlands’ DAF to form Leyland DAF, with DAF holding the majority stake and management control, while the bus division became independent before being sold to Volvo. The new entity, DAF NV, faced severe challenges in the late 1980s and early 1990s as plummeting truck sales in the UK and continental markets led to the company entering receivership on February 2, 1993. Although a new DAF heavy truck business quickly emerged in Holland and Belgium, the salvation for truck-building in Leyland came through a management buyout of Leyland Trucks in June 1993, establishing a new agreement to sell to UK and European markets via “new DAF.” Subsequently, PACCAR acquired DAF in 1996 and Leyland Trucks in 1998, leading to substantial growth, profitability, and investment, thus securing the future of truck manufacturing in Leyland.

Henry Ford’s inaugural vehicle, the Quadricycle, was an experimental creation built in 1896. This wasn’t a car intended for production, but rather a vital learning tool for Ford, allowing him to grasp the complex details of automobile construction. This foundational experience with the Quadricycle ultimately paved the way for the establishment of the Ford Motor Company.

The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric full-size truck that combines traditional F-150 capability with electric performance, offering an EPA-estimated range of up to 320 miles on select models. It delivers impressive horsepower and torque, with certain configurations capable of towing up to 10,000 lbs. Key innovations include Pro Power Onboard for external power, available Ford BlueCruise for hands-free highway driving, and an intelligent range display on its 12-inch Digital Instrument Cluster. Available in XLT, Lariat, and Platinum models, with horsepower ranging from 452 hp in the XLT to 580 hp in the Lariat and Platinum, the truck also boasts a 52.8 cubic foot cargo box and a 14.1 cubic foot Mega Power Frunk for additional storage.

In 1897, Ransom Olds established the Olds Motor Vehicle Company, marking a pivotal moment in automotive history. Though he had previously experimented with self-propelled vehicles, including steam-powered cars, this new venture was the first company explicitly organized for the purpose of building automobiles in quantity. Their initial offering, the iconic curved-dash Oldsmobile, quickly became a significant commercial success.

The final production car from the Oldsmobile division was an Alero GLS 4-door sedan, uniquely signed by all assembly line workers. Initially displayed at the R. E. Olds Transportation Museum in Lansing, Michigan, General Motors reclaimed it during its bankruptcy and subsequently housed at the GM Heritage Center in Sterling Heights. In December 2017, this historically significant vehicle, alongside a 1999 Cutlass and a 1996 Ciera, was sold to a Florida dealer for $42,000 at a dealer-only auction in New York.

Louis Renault, a French engineer and businessman, constructed his first car, the “Voiturette” (or “little car”), in 1898. This innovative vehicle, which featured a revolutionary direct-drive three-speed gearbox with reverse (a conversion of a De Dion-Bouton tricycle), marked the genesis of the Renault Frères company, established with his brothers Marcel and Fernand in 1899. This early creation laid the foundation for what would eventually become one of the world’s leading automotive brands, showcasing advanced engineering for its time and quickly leading to initial sales and the company’s industrial expansion.

The 2025 Renault Kiger emerges as a refined compact SUV, retaining its bold aesthetic while significantly boosting features and performance. Key enhancements include an upgraded engine lineup, with both the 1.0-liter petrol and turbo petrol engines now boasting E20 compliance. Inside, a new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with gesture control elevates the user experience. Additionally, the base RXE variant now includes all four power windows and central locking as standard, while the RXL variant gains an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making modern connectivity more accessible across the range.

Fiat’s inaugural vehicle, the 3½ HP, was a two-seater powered by a 679cc twin-cylinder engine. Produced in Turin, it marked Italy’s entry into the automotive industry.

A modern urban electric vehicle (EV) with a 44-kWh battery offering a range of 199 miles. It combines retro design elements with contemporary technology, featuring a cheerful color scheme and user-friendly interior.

Introduced in 1903, this two-seater featured a 10-horsepower single-cylinder engine. It was among the first to be mass-produced with precision manufacturing techniques. 

A full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and powerful V8 engine. It remains a flagship model in Cadillac’s lineup.

The first car produced under the Rolls-Royce name, introduced in 1904. It featured a 1.8-liter engine and was known for its reliability and luxury.

An all-electric grand tourer that combines traditional luxury with modern electric performance. It offers a range of up to 321 miles and embodies Rolls-Royce’s commitment to innovation.

Introduced in 1911, this was Chevrolet’s first production model, featuring a 299.5 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine. It set the foundation for the brand’s future success.

A high-performance sports car boasting 1,064 horsepower and a top speed of 233 mph. It showcases advanced engineering and design.

Introduced in 1914, this was Dodge’s first production car, featuring a 212 cubic-inch inline-four engine. It was known for its durability and quality.

A modern muscle car that blends classic design with electric performance. It offers impressive acceleration and advanced technology features.

BMW’s first motorcycle, introduced in 1923, featured a 486cc boxer engine and laid the foundation for BMW’s engineering excellence.

A limited-production grand tourer inspired by coachbuilt vehicles, featuring a V8 engine and bespoke design elements.

Introduced in 1924, this was Chrysler’s first production car, featuring a 192 cubic-inch inline-six engine. It was known for its engineering innovations and quality.

A modern sedan that combines aerodynamic design with advanced technology features, offering a comfortable and efficient driving experience.

Introduced in 1927, this was Volvo’s first production car, featuring a 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine. It was known for its durability and safety features.

An all-electric SUV that combines Swedish design with advanced safety and technology features. It offers a range of up to 300 miles.

Introduced in 1938, the Beetle became one of the best-selling cars in history, known for its distinctive design and reliability.

An all-electric minivan that pays homage to the classic VW Microbus while offering modern electric performance and technology.

Introduced in 1936, this was Toyota’s first passenger car, featuring a 3.4-liter inline-six engine. It marked the beginning of Toyota’s automotive journey.

The Toyota bZ5X is an upcoming fully electric, three-row SUV, positioned as a larger companion to the existing bZ4X and the EV equivalent of the Highlander. Designed with families and those requiring ample cargo space in mind, it aims to offer a spacious and comfortable experience. Its exterior will showcase a sleek, modern design, adopting a more boxy profile than the bZ4X to effectively integrate the third row.

Honda’s first production car, the T360, was a compact pickup truck powered by a 531cc inline-four engine. It marked Honda’s entry into the automotive industry.

An electric scooter designed for urban mobility, featuring a lightweight design and efficient electric powertrain. It reflects Honda’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.

Lamborghini’s first prototype, the 350 GTV, was introduced in 1963. It featured a V12 engine and showcased Lamborghini’s commitment to high-performance vehicles.

A plug-in hybrid supercar combining a 6.5-liter V12 engine with three electric motors, delivering a combined output of 1,001 horsepower. It represents Lamborghini’s latest advancement in hybrid technology.

Introduced in 1954, the Subaru 360 was a compact, rear-engine, two-door car known for its affordability and efficiency. It became a popular choice in Japan during the 1960s.

An all-electric SUV developed in collaboration with Toyota, offering a range of up to 228 miles. It marks Subaru’s entry into the electric vehicle market.

Introduced in 1986, the Acura Legend was the first vehicle from Honda’s luxury division, featuring a V6 engine and advanced features for its time.

A performance-oriented compact car featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, offering a balance of power and efficiency.

Introduced in 2008, the Tesla Roadster was an all-electric sports car based on the Lotus Elise chassis, offering a range of over 200 miles on a single charge.

A redesigned version of Tesla’s best-selling electric SUV, featuring improved cabin quietness, a 5% higher rated range, and a more comfortable ride. 

Introduced in 2021, the Rivian R1T is an all-electric pickup truck featuring a quad-motor system and a range of over 300 miles.

An all-electric mid-size SUV, the Rivian R2 is expected to be more affordable than the R1S, with a proposed starting price of $45,000.