I don't think I'd buy a new "Camaro"

redrumloa

redrumloa

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[youtube:3dpzngjb]PJm1w-wTomo[/youtube:3dpzngjb]
 
When you just don't have the time to get to the "police incident", the police incident can come to you.

Anyway, looks like you don't need to buy a new Camaro - a used one has just come on the market - a bit of a fixer upper though.
 
I do understand what you're trying to say with the utter crunchability factor. Keep in mind though that you're comparing a 2500 pound sports car to a 6000 pound, relatively armored police edition of an SUV. There's also the matter of lack of braking and impact angle, both of which play a part.
 
Ya, I wouldn't base much on that video. And really, what you should take into consideration is how the driver fared in the crash.
 
Wayne said:
I do understand what you're trying to say with the utter crunchability factor. Keep in mind though that you're comparing a 2500 pound sports car to a 6000 pound, relatively armored police edition of an SUV. There's also the matter of lack of braking and impact angle, both of which play a part.
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A SUV is a truck with a heavy duty frame, Police models have a brush guard, its an option on civilian versions

The heavier the vehicle, the safer it is in a crash
 
metalman said:
The heavier the vehicle, the safer it is in a crash
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You mean, the safer it is to be in it. Obviously it is not a safer vehicle for the people you are crashing into. It is also harder to stop and steer so more likely to crash into people.
 
metalman said:
Police models have a brush guard, its an option on civilian versions
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There's usually a little more to it than that, such as a beefier suspension, different engine tuning, beefier electronics components to handle the increased load of all those radios/sirens, and on the odd vehicle, kevlar and carbon fiber body panels.

A true Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptor for example has about 60 more horsepower and doors reinforced with kevlar panels inside the metal frame.

Depends on the model though.

Wayne
 
Interesting about the Kevlar in the door panels. I noticed officers use the door as a shield, but always thought it would be a poor shield as bullets should have no problem going through sheet metal, which is probably around 20 gauge. The Kevlar however should make it a much better shield.
 
Red is that because you're against Government Motors?

I'd like to see who a Jetta faired under exactly the same conditions.
 
Wayne said:
There's usually a little more to it than that, such as a beefier suspension, different engine tuning, beefier electronics components to handle the increased load of all those radios/sirens, and on the odd vehicle, kevlar and carbon fiber body panels.

A true Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptor for example has about 60 more horsepower and doors reinforced with kevlar panels inside the metal frame.
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Suspension is different for police cars, not for Police SUV units.

The suspension package upgrade for Police/Taxi models is to replace the standard car suspension with a beefier light duty truck suspension package. A SUV has a medium duty truck suspension rated for 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton rear axle load depending on the model. SUV's all have a big engine option for towing and big brakes are standard to handle 10k tow loads.
 
faethor said:
Red is that because you're against Government Motors?

I'd like to see who a Jetta faired under exactly the same conditions.
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I haven't been in a similar accident in a Jetta of Golf, but I was in a similar but higher speed accident in a 74 VW Super Beetle which fared better. It was technically totalled due to age of the vehicle and the fact the insurance would not repair such an old vehicle, but the crunch was fractions of this. I think back at the 74 Dodge Charger I had for a while, that thing was a tank. I personally never had an accident in it, but the previous owner put it through a concrete wall and didn't make a single dent or crease.

But yes cars are not made sturdy now, they are made to fold like an accordion. This video is still somewhat surprising as the impact speed did not seem all that fast.
 
Depends what you favor. Old cars were great at preserving themselves, but not so much it's occupants. Today's cars are all about sacrificing themselves for the occupants. I like cars, but I like me better.
 
redrumloa said:
But yes cars are not made sturdy now, they are made to fold like an accordion. This video is still somewhat surprising as the impact speed did not seem all that fast.
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Folding like an accordian is a good thing. It translates the energies in an accident into the car itself and away from the cab. Often things such as the engine dropping out, while doing a great amount of damage to the car, helps to protects the passengers. And afterall the important thing would be to not majorly injure or kill my loved ones.

US miles driver are up over the 70s. US speeds are about the same as the 70s. Deaths per mile driven are down. This has been a combination of various things such as more collapseable barriers (signs, light posts) and a better construct of vehicle.
 
Folding like an accordian is a good thing. It translates the energies in an accident into the car itself and away from the cab. Often things such as the engine dropping out, while doing a great amount of damage to the car, helps to protects the passengers. And afterall the important thing would be to not majorly injure or kill my loved ones.
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Exactly. Crumple zones are a good thing. Cars are easy enough to replace. And why wouldn't you want to replace one after an accident? Even an old schooler with frame would be a massive bitch to get to drive right after knocking around the front like that.

As for why I'd not buy a new Camaro... Well, the fact it totally failed to negotiate a rather low-speed and wide turn, as illustrated... LOL!
 
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