Modern dual pivot brakes and V brakes may have more stopping power due to greater mechanical advantage, but what you gain in stopping power, you lose in "feel" and modulation ability.

Before you dis vintage brakes, make sure you have decent pads on them. Sure, 30 year old dried out rubber brake pads won't stop very well at all. Put modern pads (kool stop) on a set of vintage brakes and you may not be as disappointed as you are. My modolo's still feel better and stop well. I can lock the wheels up if need be, no more force needed.

Sheldon