Use whatever type of wiper motor suits your tastes/needs.
I think that electric wipers would be safer/better for driving in the rain.
However, someone does not have lay on the floorboard to determine if the wiper motor is vacuum or electric. Usually, hoods are open at car shows and the presence/absence of the vacuum line/hose would be a give away.
The first optional (factory installed, 6v) electric wiper on Chevrolet trucks cost $10.35 (1954). The dual-action fuel pump cost $9.05.
truckernix, thanks for the reminder about the spring-tension on the arms.
