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<MISC> Re: crumple zones

To further this discussion, European manufacturers, notably Mercedes, also 
design their cars to survive an offset head-on collision.  Their opinion, backed
by statistical research, is that offset collisions are much more prevalent than 
full head-on collisions.  Since only one half of the car must dissipate the 
crash energy, it must be stiffer to prevent intrusion into the passenger cell.  
Of course, when these cars are tested in the US required full head-on collision,
their stiffer crash structure is a detriment.

On another note, auto makers, consumer groups and the federal government cite 
crash test and injury statistics.  However, none of them mention the 
repeatability of the tests.  That is because they are not repeatable!  As a 
scientific test, government mandated crash tests provide no absolutes, they can 
only be used as a guide.

To the person who will only strap their loved ones into a 3/4 ton Suburban; 
light trucks (including mini-vans and SUVs) are currently not required to meet 
the safety, emissions, and economy requirements of passenger cars.  While it is 
true that bigger is better, a Suburban may be less survivable than a Caprice.  
It likely doesn't have dual air bags, side impact protection, or the same dash 
and trim padding that a car is required to have.  And, it pollutes more and 
guzzles gas.

Regards,
Jim Moran
'88 M6