I think old Fenders have very different spec's and feels to them. For example, my '73 Jazz is VERY different to my '03 Jazz.
Yes you can get modern re-issues, but it comes down to that age-old "do you want an approximation, or the real thing?".
For me, I have two 'vintage' basses, and two modern versions, they all get used for different things, with my '71 P getting used most.
Si