I'm curious, I assume that also applies the same way to X1/9's with the Honda K20 drivetrain? Have they lost the "Fiat" character? Or I guess the same applies for the newer designs that are a retro style (discussed in another thread), or any older cars with restomods (also discussed elsewhere)?
Honestly I see both sides of that. I get what you mean and there certainly is something to that original character. I think a similar way to describe it might be the experience of driving a slow car fast. There is also something to be said for the added performance, enhanced capability, improved reliability and drivability of a restomod. Even a old body with electric power has the design 'style' but a different character. And all of them are unique, offering their own kind of experience.
For example I find the same thing with motorcycles. Personally I prefer to ride old bikes with ancient technology over the modern performance bikes. Yet with old cars I'm the other way around, I prefer the excitement of a high performance restomod.
This is why we need to own several toys, one for every mood.