My massive impact - A real life tale of small car vs large car safety.

[cheap]

Originally Posted by MAGPIE

So going by your theory every motor vehicle accident that occurs between different sizes of cars (but with equal star ratings) the occupants of the larger car will always come out better off ?

Doesn't work like that in the real world.

Fom ANCAP FAQ's:

If a large, heavy sedan and a small, light sedan both receive five stars and the same ANCAP scores, is the large sedan safer for the occupants than the small sedan?

It is not appropriate to compare ANCAP ratings across vehicle categories, particularly if there is a large weight difference. The reason is that in car-to-car crashes, the heavier vehicle has a theoretical advantage (due to the physics of the crash). Similarly, a higher ride height might be an advantage in a car-to-car crash. However in single vehicle crashes, such as with solid fixed objects, the weight might no longer be an advantage. So it depends on the type of crash. Also some small cars do remarkably well in crashes with larger vehicles as they have very strong passenger compartments and advanced occupant restraint systems and these features make up for the mass disadvantage.


Is it better to have a small car with a 5 star rating or a medium car with a 4 star rating?

It is not appropriate to compare ANCAP ratings across vehicle categories, particularly if there is a large weight difference. The reason is that in car-to-car crashes the heavier vehicle has a theoretical advantage (due to the physics of the crash). Similarly, a higher ride height might be an advantage in a car-to-car crash. However in single vehicle crashes, such as with solid fixed objects, the weight might no longer be an advantage. So it depends on the type of crash. Also some small cars do remarkably well in crashes with larger vehicles as they have very strong passenger compartments and advanced occupant restraint systems and these features make up for the mass disadvantage.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Q1) In a collision between a 5 Star Barina V's a 5 Star Toyota Landcruiser - which vehicle would you rather be in?

Q2) In a collision between a 5 Star Toyota Landcruiser V's a Kenworth - which vehicle would you rather be in?

Here is a big hint ... the heavier vehicle has a theoretical advantage