It's not that they do more, because they actually do less, they just do it really well, and they do it forever! They are all metal, no plastic, and were made during a grand and glorious time in our country's history, when pride was taken in good workmanship, materials and design.
For me, using these old machines is like going back in time and living the life of someone else (a little bit!) who may have gone on already...
My favorite one is the treadle you see in my avatar. It is so peaceful to sit and treadle sew a quilt top together. The precision these old ladies have is mind boggling. You should see the bobbin winding mechanism working on my treadle! It's amazing.