Yes, older bikes tend to fit fenders better than newer bikes/frames.
Many newer frames leave little room for fenders/mudgaurds. It is on a bike or frame by frame basis. I had a Trek 1000 that I liked however, the clerances were so tight that wouldn't fit wider tires let alone tires and fenders. If it is a "racy" geometry it could be that it won't fit.
These are Plantet Bike Cascadia feners. They can made to have a pretty tight fender line. I showed a picture of this bike becuse of the tight fender to tire clearance I was able to achive. But of couse that comes with it's own perils. Sticks can get caught. My bike stays cleaner with fenders though.