Batteries are like lightbulbs and just not made the same as they used to be in fact our 05 plate Focus is on its second battery and alternator.
Probably some environmental nonsense that dictates that we can't put as much lead in them, or something. So, we make them slightly more environmentally friendly and throw away 3 times as many of them
I remember my 1981 Morris Ital which I finally got rid of in about 1993 was still on its' original battery (had been in the family since new and i know it was never changed). My alternator died at one point and I drove around for a week with no charge to the battery. It held up fine.
PS anyone know about these new 'GEL' batteries being touted? how are they worth twice as much!?!?
Gel lead acid batteries have been around for ages in other applications such as aircraft, where spillages are not good. They are widely used as backup batteries in UPSs and burglar alarms.
Probably better suited to standby use than in a car, TBH, but they can be made to do the job. They are more expensive to make then a liquid lead acid battery, and not made in the same volumes at that sort of rating, hence more expensive to buy. They are also not as robust as liquid lead acid batteries but can be made smaller and ususally lighter for the same CCA, although AH rating will normally be less.
Kevin