[quote=AN]When you’re talking strictly about head on collision, you can’t escape the law of physics (F=MA), Force = Mass x Acceleration. The one with more mass will always win. FLU, mass doesn’t always mean CUV though. A lot of the Mid-size luxury sedan weight 4000+lb as well, so I think they fair just as well as a CUV would w/out the risk of flipping over on an off angle head on collision. Off angle head on collision is probably more likely than an direct head on collision in real life (IMHO). People will always try to swerve to dodge a collision.[/quote]
Oh I know…But the original thread I recall was raised I believe when a few folks stated that my Prius was “as” safe as a CUV in a head on collision. Or that CUV’s were less safe because in the event of an emergency, smaller cars were more manueverable and that CUVs were more prong to rollover. Not that I’m a fan of CUVs, but this clearly isn’t the case, as larger cars/CUV/what have you not only exert more force but have more mass to absorb the energy. Also, most CUV’s are based on passenger car platforms with a lower center of gravity so that the risk of rollover is low. Some of these full size cars weigh in as much as CUVs (flagship Lexus LS, Mercedes S, BMW 7, all are big porkers on the weigh of some CUVs)
I would even venture to say that if the crash performed at the same speed wasnt a head on impact, that the damage done to small cars would have been worse, because in the front end crash, at least the smaller car had the entire engine compartment absorbing the energy, though it might seem futile. I bet of the iihs were to do the test from a side impact or cross angle impact, these compacts would be shredded to pieces.
The Yaris they crashed against the camry was quite disturbing. The entire driver compartment was crushed.
