A good case for upgrading to disc brakes on your Charger

[hatersaurusrex]

Holy smokes, that Bel-Air driver would be hurting.   So much for the idea that an all-steel land yacht can survive a crash better than a new plastic econobox:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPF4fBGNK0U&feature=related

[WHITE AND RED 69]

I guess its time to add a roll cage to the list.

[bill440rt]

Yep. That's been posted before.
Something to think about next time you're driving an old behemoth. 

[74bluecharger440]

I would have never thought so much damage would  happen to the old beast..Not only to the car but more importantly the occupants...Good eye opener..

[Dino]

Unless you hit a smart car or something else you can flick away with your finger, you're gonna be hurting in an old car.  No crumple zones means you are the crumple zone.

[Mike DC]

I don't know if that test was "rigged" or not, but they most definitely stacked the deck with the basic layout.  They hit a 1959 GM X-frame chassis into a modern unibody in an offset frontal crash, which is just about the worst way to hurt the older car of the two.  There are a lot of new/old comparisons that would not have been nearly so lopsided. 

[Ghoste]

Nice engine in the 59.  Anyway, while I think there should be no question whatsoever about which car is safer in a crash it should also be noted that as Mike points out that, that was largely set up that way purposely to be as dramatic as possible.  It isn't a comparison conducted by GM for the sake of investigative engineering, that was an endorsement for the insurance lobbyists and an adevertisement for Consumer Reports magazine.  A publication which arguably provides unbiased non profit advice still requires PAYING subscriptions in order to fund their activities.  The crash test in that video was conducted by both parties specifically to frighten you into supporting them.

[oldgold69]

looks like the 59 was hit outside of the frame or it was so rusty  that the body came loose from the frame  my sons  69 chevelle  didnt look that bad head on at 40 mph

[Aero426]

I don't know if that test was "rigged" or not, but they most definitely stacked the deck with the basic layout.  They hit a 1959 GM X-frame chassis into a modern unibody in an offset frontal crash, which is just about the worst way to hurt the older car of the two.  There are a lot of new/old comparisons that would not have been nearly so lopsided. 

Exactly.   With the X frame, they picked the worst possible car for the old one.   

[Aero426]

looks like the 59 was hit outside of the frame or it was so rusty  that the body came loose from the frame  my sons  69 chevelle  didnt look that bad head on at 40 mph

This is because there is "no" frame rail or structure running between both ends of the rocker panel of the '59.    It is an hour glass shape frame in the shape of an X. 

[JB400]

That frame is usually one of the first things people change out.  If they tried that wreck out on a full size Chevy 10 years later, the car would have held up better.

[Indygenerallee]

A Charger would do much better as it is a uni-body and not a full frame, I don't want to see the test we don't need another Charger crunched.

[Ghoste]

Ain't that the truth.

[JB400]

Dukes already done that kind of testing for us anyway.

[Cooter]

Dukes already done that kind of testing for us anyway.

:smilielol:Everybody knows that the '69 GL Charger is the most indestructable car ever built. i mean, seriously, look at how many were jumped and came out on the other side looking like new? Wow, if only they had used the GL, that Impala wouldn't stand a chance in a 300 Ft. Jump.

[Ghoste]

Sadly though, they don't do so well against locomotives.

[69rtse4spd]

Make it fair, new car, no seat belt, or air bags. Then go up against a (hate to see it) 59 Imperial. But yeah rigged.

[bakerhillpins]

I don't know if that test was "rigged" or not, but they most definitely stacked the deck with the basic layout.  They hit a 1959 GM X-frame chassis into a modern unibody in an offset frontal crash, which is just about the worst way to hurt the older car of the two.  There are a lot of new/old comparisons that would not have been nearly so lopsided. 

IIRC an offset frontal crash is the most common type so while the car may have been a poor choice the collision isn't uncommon.  I also believe that offset collisions are also the most difficult to engineer against.  

[charger Downunder]

That was a rusty chevy look at all the brown dust /rust spraying out.

[Old Moparz]

Rigged or not, I'd prefer to be in my Ram 1500 with the airbags if I'm going up against either of those Chebbies.