Agree that older cars have character and new cars are anodyne, having been refined much more over the development phase.
The only old car I have driven that I fell in love with was the 911 2.7RS. That had great road feel, a sense of lightness like a racing bike and a joy to drive even slowly.
The original Lotus Elan comes close and its “grandchild” the Lotus Elise is a good modern interpretation of road feel.
They make you feel alive.