Re: 50th anniversary Test Crash. '59 Chev vs. '09 Chev

Posted by Predictor On 2009/9/18 11:54:27

Those "Cruciform" frames (shaped more like a couple of Y's like this >--< than an X) were known for lack of side impact protection in particular (back in the day). They're real flexy fliers as they twist about the central back bone. I don't know what GM was thinking when they came up with this abortion. Feh

Give me an X or reinforced ladder frame (especially with boxed cross sections) any day of the week for strength.

The thing about today's cars is that they're designed to sacrifice themselves by absorbing and redirecting impact forces thru the act of self destruction. The concept (which DOES work) results in massive and usually unrepairable damage.

There was a time that automakers designed door latches to spring open so that the occupants could be thrown clear and free of the crash! We've come a long way baby!