Quote:
Originally posted by Rokenn:
If you check the info on front end crashes you'll find that small cars do just as well in the type of crash you had. They are designed to have the front end 'smash' to absorb the kenetic energy from a crash, and transfer as much as possible to the frame surrounding the passenger compartment.
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The problem is that there is FAR too little crush area in modern subcompacts, plus the fact that most subcompacts these days (especially the jap imports) have body metal the thickness of tracing paper.
A friend of mine bought a honda for his wife, the ease of which the damned thing dented in (by leaning on, for example) is just ludicrous.
As a mechanic, I think it's a disgrace the way cars are built these days. "Safety" my a$$.
EDIT>
Quote:
Originally posted by Rokenn:
Not to get OT here, but hitting a gardrail (which is designed to absorb impact and arrest the motion of the vechicle) vs hitting another vechicle are two different thinks. Besides what hit you that managed to do so much damage as essentailly a human running speed.
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Hate to burst your bubble, but this is VERY common. I once saw a Suzuki Swift after it ran over a
raccoon at 30km/hr. The rad was history, and the entire front end was crushed in.
The owner just laughed when I reached down and pulled the frame out
by hand.
[ 01-09-2003, 05:31 PM: Message edited by: Sir Krustin ]