A man who sells Singers and repairs other machines asked me that just today. He said the old ones are wonderful machines and can always be repaired; they will last forever.
But he also said the newer machines are many times more versatile and if you buy the right one, they are just as portable.
I would like to have a Featherweight, not because it is any better than my Janome 4800, but because so many other people have one. I think that is called "herd mentality." I am certain that I will succumb to it when and if I can find a Featherweight I can afford! froggyintexas