Comments on: NHTSA Revamping Crash Tests

By: sieben

sieben — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:06:33 +0000

It would be nice if every possible combination of engine, transmission and driven wheels didn’t need a separate vehicle tested. It really puts imports, especially Europeans at a disadvantage.
For example, a 328i sedan, 328i coupe, 328Xi sedan and 328Xi coupe each need a separate vehicle crash tested, one each for automatic and manual transmissions. Essentially, BMW must crash eight separate cars to sell “328s” in the US. Will their crash test results really be that different? Besides, if they pass testing for Autobahn driving (regularly at 80-120 mph), will they really have trouble passing testing for the US where the speed limit is ca. 65 mph?

By: relton

relton — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:57:38 +0000

I’ve done crash tests a number of times.

The small sampling done for official government ratings is a real concern.

When GM had a car that got miserable results, the government let them have another try. That car, supposedly identical the the first one, passed handily.

Bob

By: akitadog

akitadog — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:21:34 +0000

I’d like to know which cars make up that last 4 percent!

By: yankinwaoz

yankinwaoz — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:37:27 +0000

Re: Photo…
Wow… some light pole!

By: mfgreen40

mfgreen40 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:23:04 +0000

Six teens in the car and none killed. Two tried to run from the scene. Wow.

By: Rix

Rix — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:13:40 +0000

When every car gets 4-5 stars, the test is worthless as a guide. Grade ‘em on a curve.

By: bill h.

bill h. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:54:09 +0000

How about a real Scandinavian type Moose test, to see if those A-pillars are more than just decoration?

By: Alexdi

Alexdi — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:52:07 +0000

I’d like to see them ramp the speeds up by around 15 MPH. 35 MPH collisions are a poor proxy for those of who spend our time on the highway.

By: MattVA

MattVA — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:51:29 +0000

Does anyone know how many cars are crashed per model? I’ve always been curious of this. If only one or two per model are crashed in the same method, isn’t it possible for the rating to be horrible invalid considering all the tiny variables that can affect the outcome of a crash? i.e. a centimeter to the right or left and the crumple-zone would have not been as effective?

Anyone know the answer to this?

By: rev0lver

rev0lver — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:31:59 +0000

Thanks Comedian

By: tulsa_97sr5

tulsa_97sr5 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:22:03 +0000

Still no off-the-cliff test? No 747-lands-on-top-of-car-on-freeway test? What about the dukes-of-hazzard-creek-jump test?

Where does it end? I guess I could see if speed limits were being raised, increasing the stresses a vehicle faced in a crash. It seems like this will mostly lead to heavier vehicles for very minimal safety increases. Maybe I’m over reacting, rereading the list none of those sound too out there.

By: The Comedian

The Comedian — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:19:16 +0000

The car was a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. <— Link to article about crash

By: MikeInCanada

MikeInCanada — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:14:00 +0000

How much different are the Euro crash standards then the ones in North America? Will I be getting my Fiat Panda anytime soon?

By: rev0lver

rev0lver — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:08:45 +0000

What kind of car was that in the pic?