> It isn't even some great inflationary measuring tool either, just an easy and convenient shorthand. For example, comparing the price of a car from the 50's and a price of a car today is illogical for inflation. It ignores the fact that cars of today aren't made out of the same materials and come jam packed with features like air conditioners, stereos, cup holders, automatic doors, airbags, sun roofs etc.. all of which didn't exist in the 50's. It makes perfect sense to make a direct comparison because if you need a car to drive to your job you have to buy what's available. All that other shit is irrelevant. Dishonest economists want to factor in the extraneous bullshit to downplay inflation. "Look goy! You're getting so much more for your shekels!" The only time it wouldn't make sense is if the consumer had the choice to buy a car similarly equipped as a 1950's car. Then you couldn't compare a 1950's car to a modern car with all the options you describe because that would be like comparing the price of government cheese in 1955 to the price of caviar today. However, If all you can buy is caviar today it's imperative for accuracy that you make precisely that comparison.