Crash test 2009 vs 1959.

[Hatterasguy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joMK1WZjP7g&feature=player_embedded

Lots of improvements in 50 years, newer cars are so much safer than they were even 20 years ago.

[kerry]

That's true but the 1959 had an X frame under it with no strength along the sides so the crash was in its weak spot. I'd like to see the same thing in a direct head on or with a 1959 with a standard style frame.

[MTI]

Apparently all the engineering is paying off in the lowest auto fatality rates since the 1950's.

On Friday, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimated that 32,788 people were killed on U.S. roads in 2010, a 3 percent drop from 2009 and the fewest traffic deaths since 1949.

That year, Harry Truman was in the White House and 30,000 people died in auto crashes, even though the number of drivers was much less than it is today.

[C280 Sport]

I still would rather be in that 1959 Belair anyday.

[PaulC]

Originally Posted by kerry

That's true but the 1959 had an X frame under it with no strength along the sides so the crash was in its weak spot. I'd like to see the same thing in a direct head on or with a 1959 with a standard style frame.

The crash presented was a frontal offset crash - driver's side to driver's side.

[MS Fowler]

My question would be about the condition of the '59. On the outside it looked good, but was the frame corroded or as it came from the factory?

[JohnM.]

Originally Posted by MTI

Apparently all the engineering is paying off in the lowest auto fatality rates since the 1950's.

On Friday, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimated that 32,788 people were killed on U.S. roads in 2010, a 3 percent drop from 2009 and the fewest traffic deaths since 1949.

That year, Harry Truman was in the White House and 30,000 people died in auto crashes, even though the number of drivers was much less than it is today.

That's amazing considering the amount of cars on the road, and cellphones, etc etc

[kerry]

Originally Posted by PaulC

The crash presented was a frontal offset crash - driver's side to driver's side.

Yeah, that seems like a disadvantageous crash for the x frame. Nothing behind the front wheel to stiffen it.

New cars just bore you to death.

[kerry]

Originally Posted by Craig

New cars just bore you to death.

As well they should.

Originally Posted by kerry

As well they should.

Yup, that's what my wife likes about her car; I can't stand driving the thing.

[Kuan]

I'd like to see a 70's MB vs. a modern Chevy Malibu.

[jlomon]

Their point is well proven but it seems a real shame to destroy an antique to make the point.

[ps2cho]

I'd like to see a late 80's 300E VS 2011 E-class

[Kuan]

I wonder. If a car does well against a concrete barrier, how well would it do against another car?