Just how safe is the W123? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Adriel · #23 06-28-2014, 07:55 PM

Thank you tjts1 for that video!

Very interesting!

Notice that there are a couple w123 chassis. Both times the driver doesn't hit the top of the steering wheel and especially doesn't come anywhere near the windshield.

My first auto was a Ford Focus ZXW with safety package. This meant A.B.S. and side airbags. Well, I was young and experienced, had to swerve, spun out across seven lanes of traffic, got out of the spin, but too late and slammed into the center concrete divider at about 55M.P.H.. The passenger front hit first and the body buckled in about eight places. None of the air bags went off and got severe wip lash I still suffer from all these years later. All the doors were stuck shut and cabin integrity was compromised. So airbags are useless devices demanded by the Federal Government further meddling with liberty, that are only to raise the astronomical purchase price.

Before this accident, I was cut off by a Nissan Sentra while driving my 1971 Volkswagen Squareback. The Nissan didn't stop, but I did see that the driver's rear wheel well was pushed up to the front door, so can say for certain it was totaled. As for the Squareback, a crumple zone was enacted which I still need to pull out with a frame machine. But, drove it afterwards until I parked her due to the amount of rust that made me feel uncomfortable. The rest of the damage cost about $25 for new fender, headlight, turn signal, and bumper. Who really won?

In short, today's vehicles are so poorly built due to a Federal agency not controlled by the People demanding effieciency only obtainable with extreme weight reduction that compromises safety. I rather be in an older heavy classic then a modern sardine can. I just can't see how that chart is correct.