[Nick M3]

The conclusion that I've come to is that if they didn't come from the factory, the beam type blades are probably not an upgrade. I've been getting better results from the old style on those cars.

Edit: The problem is that modern car windshields are very flat. The beam blades tend to be adapted for a flat windshield. Curvy older car windshields just don't seem to be a good fit. If an older car *does* have a very flat windshield, then they're likely fine.