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Video: Crash testing old cars vs. new

 
7 1,948 views September 12, 2007

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.





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Comments (7)

  1. By Gus Posted: 9/12/2007 2:43pm PDT

    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)...
     
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  2. By Charles Posted: 9/12/2007 4:03pm PDT

    ... oh well blippin yay... I drive a 94 volvo 960... hmm... well I certainly feel safe :D *sobs*
     
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  3. By J__ Posted: 9/12/2007 11:44pm PDT

    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.*)
     
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  4. By Jim Posted: 9/13/2007 12:49am PDT

    i need to show this video to my mom!! who things volvo's are the safest cars around
     
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  5. By Charles Posted: 9/13/2007 1:12am PDT

    meanie J... I need to go find a yaris or something to go pick on >.>
     
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  6. By Gus Posted: 9/13/2007 11:21am PDT

    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...
     
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  7. By admin Posted: 9/13/2007 11:48am PDT

    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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