Old bike- take hands off handle bars (in many cases) to change gears with friction shifters.

New bike- Keep hands on bars/brakes and quickly change gears with index shifters.

I definitely prefer the latter. Sure you may be able to upgrade, but that can be expensive, and you won't get all the other features of a newer bike. (like no rust, lol)

Test ride some new stuff and see what you think. Don't forget you can get a modern "new" bike on the used market, which will bring the cost down substantially. If you only have one bike and are even questioning whether or not you should get another one then yes, check in to that facility.