i prefer analog gauges for the following reasons:

* they convey information faster, because you are looking at the orientation of the needle, and not reading a number; this is especially useful when making a quick glance at the instrument panel to check the vital signs. You can even use your peripheral vision when you cannot take your eyes off the road.

* they also convey a rate of change better than digital readouts, useful for monitoring the tachometer

absolute requirements for me are the oil pressure gauge, coolant temp gauge, and tachometer. Of course the fuel gauge also. But one gauge that is surprisingly used a lot is the clock, and I want it analog.

when checking out a new car, I also look at the layout of the instruments within the cluster.
* It should be symmetric, with the main gauge(s) dominating the middle. Porsche, because of its racing heritage, has a large tach
centerstage. Some cars have idiot lights in the middle, which I don't like.

* the gauges should exude a look of precision and quality, day or night - this is one of the things that contribute to the "perceived quality" of the car.

* the night illumination is also important to me - BMW is very good in this area