Just my two cents as a newbie to road racing.
I actually think newer cars are more available/common then older ones. How often do you see an 80's GTI or rx-7 on the road? Same with 85 civic's?
On the other hand, you can find early 90's civics, sentras, etc. all over the place. Most of the kids these days are driving cars from the 90's, not the 80's.
So lets classify these cars competively in IT. If there is a slight advantage with the car, put some weight on it or something. Four classes is enough, just make adjustments within each class.
I also agree about the stupidity of keeping wipers and heaters and such on the cars. If it doesnt cost anything, and there is no measureable performance advantage, why not allow it's removal (or substitution, like the wiring harness for the 240z)?
I really think its the rigidity of the SCCA that makes NASA so attractive to youngsters.
matt