Consumer Price Index Calculator, the HP-65 and Corvettes

This calculator determines the relative costs of items accounting for inflation, from one year to another. For example, in 1974 an HP-65 programmable scientific calculator cost $795. Today that calculator would cost $3265. This is typical of mass-produced electronic products, which typically beat inflation by a wide margin. Today, a top-of-the line graphing calculator costs about $150.

As another example, in 1963 my Dad bought a new Corvette split-window coupe in California. He went to the dealership intending to buy a station wagon for my family to move to Ohio, but I guess he got distracted. Good decision. He paid about $2500. Today that same car would cost about $16,500. Today a Z06 costs $60,000. Admittedly, cars today are safer, more powerful and efficient and have more cup holders, but they still outpace inflation dramatically.