this post was submitted on 16 Jul 2023
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This is partly true, but regulations do allow for a computer screen digital version of the basic safety display, as long as it can be demonstrated to be reliable and work without other systems like the infotainment system, and many manufacturers have implemented this.
IMO I think the answer to the OP is "it was a stylistic choice"
Yes definitely, the choice of a mechanical arrow or digital display is optional and stylistic. I'm just explaining why the digital speedometers aren't better currently.
Like you say, the problem is that the reading of speed has to be done without secondary systems. The digital display does seem more precise because it shows an exact digit, but it's not really. It just shows a digit instead of a mechanical arrow, which is still electronic btw.
In order to make it more precise we'd need secondary systems to calculate the speed. It doesn't have to be GPS, it could be done by other sensory inputs. Modern cars have cameras and it wouldn't be difficult to make a proper calculation using those or something else.
I also wish I had a precise fuel gauge, but what's the point really. It's not possible to calculate a range anyway, because it depends on the future driving.
It's a "need to have" versus "nice to have". People who need to have a precise speed probably have secondary systems for that specifically.