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Video: Crash testing old cars vs. new

Video: Crash testing old cars vs. new

Kenneth Hall September 12th, 2007 Kenneth Hall By Kenneth Hall Author September 12th, 2007
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December 31st, 1969 Car crash technology has moved significantly in the last 15 years, however, the laws of physics still put smaller cars at a major disadvantage compared to larger ones, right? That’s the “common sense” UK’s Fifth Gear aims to debunk by showing how a relatively new five-star NCAP certified Renault Modus mini-MPV compares in a frontal crash with an old Volvo 940 Estate. Volvos have a reputation of being supremely safe, however this video demonstrates why buying an older car could be the worst decision you ever make.
Car crash technology has moved significantly in the last 15 years, however, the laws of physics still put smaller cars at a major disadvantage compared to larger ones, right? That’s the “common sense” UK’s Fifth Gear aims to debunk by showing how a relatively new five-star NCAP certified Renault Modus mini-MPV compares in a frontal crash with an old Volvo 940 Estate. Volvos have a reputation of being supremely safe, however this video demonstrates why buying an older car could be the worst decision you ever make.


Tags: Safety, Videos

Posted in: News


Comments (7 total)

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  1. By Gus #1, Posted: 9/12/2007

    Thaqt is one thing I wish Top Gear would do, is focus on some safety the way Fifth Gear does.

    I am really surprised by this test, fantastic demonstration. I am still of the opinion that a larger car is safer, but apparently the AGE of the car has a great deal more to do with it than I thought. You can only compare apples to apples, say a new C class vs. a new S class, rather than just using mass as an absolute measure.

    I consider myself better educated about something I take very seriously (my mother was a trauma surgeon, and I have seen some truly horrible things)...

  2. By Charles #2, Posted: 9/12/2007

    ... oh well blippin yay... I drive a 94 volvo 960... hmm... well I certainly feel safe :D *sobs*

  3. By J__ #3, Posted: 9/12/2007

    Don't worry, Charles. there are none of those little, well-built, stiff, rigid, ultra-safe Renaults for sale in the states that could smash up your volvo in a crash. (*note to self -- persuade rest of world to sell good small cars to the Americans.*)

  4. By Jim #4, Posted: 9/13/2007

    i need to show this video to my mom!! who things volvo's are the safest cars around

  5. By Charles #5, Posted: 9/13/2007

    meanie J... I need to go find a yaris or something to go pick on >.>

  6. By Gus #6, Posted: 9/13/2007

    I'm sure a brand new Volvo would be quite a bit safer than the brand new Modus.
    I guess that crash test would be too expensive...

  7. By admin #7, Posted: 9/13/2007

    Which is why small cars should be tested against large ones. Only problem is that it would increase the cost of testing greatly.

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