Quote:
Originally posted by MS Fowler
I gotta disagree ( a little) with DslBnz----
The statement that only the newer cars are designed to pregressively crush in an accident, is a little misleading. I have been reading that claim for 30 years at least. I'm not a M-B historian, but I'm sure the W123s were advertised with this feature--a rigid safety cell protecting the passengers and the ends designed to collapse and absorb the energy of impact so the passengers are protected. I have the sales brochures from the 504 model Peugeot which debuted in 1968 (?) which discusses the technology. Mercedes was the pioneer in this area, I believe they advertised that they did not enforce their patents as they felt the contribution to public safety was more important than keeping the ideas exclisive to M-B.
Now, does the technology keep advancing? Are todays designs, most likely better? The answer to these questions is most likely "yes". but it ain't a "new" idea.
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Hey, I'm just a kid. I was only born in 1983.
I haven't been around for 30 years. From real-world accidents, it is obvious that newer cars crush more than older cars. For example; 6 - 8 months ago, I witnessed a 40 mph T-bone collision between a Ford Tempo, and a Lincoln Town Car. The lady driving the Town Car failed to yield to traffic and slammed into the Tempo at full force. The glass from the Tempo shattered and flew opposite the Lincoln. I watched that model 2003 Lincoln, right before my very eyes, crumple up like a piece of tinfoil. Sure, everyone was fine, and as I observed the damage and to see if everyone was OK, I was shocked.
Tempo appeared to be a late '80's to early 90's model. Front fender was flattened. Frame looked like it was pushed in a couple of inches. Wheel was slightly twisted everything else was fine. I didn't even get NEAR the Lincoln because the foolish moron who was driving it was ranting and raving about how stupid this was(even though she caused it) and that the Lincoln was her father's recently acquired BRAND NEW CAR!
Lincoln looked like it just went through the IIHS offset crash at 40 mph! Wow....