PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - How would well would a W123 or W126 survive a side impact?

rwthomas1 · #3 05-12-2004, 11:43 PM

Oh boy, a pet peeve of mine here.... I would take an MB, or rather any european car that is designed with autobahn use in mind over anything else, SUV or otherwise. Not only are the vehicles better made with impact protection designed in from all directions not just front and rear, they generally handle much better in emergency situations. Yes, obviously the law of gross tonnage is that a 8000lb Expedition will likely win out in a crash with a 4000lb MB but that doesn't make the SUV safer. Higher center of gravity, poor braking performance, poor handling all the time leads to more of a chance of HAVING an accident to start with. Airbags are great, they will save you facial lacerations and bruises if you want to look good in your open casket at the wake. IMHO I will take the chance of minor cuts and bruises and drive a car that will save my life. Anyone know why they keep making vehicles safer and safer? How about we do away with the cellphones, GPS nav systems, dash mounted TV's, etc. and start teaching people how to friggin' DRIVE!!! I would be in full approval of a US driver training system modeled after the German one. Rant off, RT