[tvacc]

Originally Posted by NMRJock

If the engine doesn't deform it's not absorbing any of the impact. It just transfers the energy backward.

I'm not saying the Atom is super-safe. I'm just saying that we don't have much room to talk.

I have seen several Caterhams with frontal inpacts. Now I dont know the speed...and brick walls are really bad...but the drivers compartment stayed relativly intact. Side impacts while can be bad in Caterham ... I have seen them where there was so much side impact that the side draft carbs became updraft carbs and the driver walked away.

I dont recall any...not have I heard of any bad injuries in a Seven. We did a poll last few years ago...and no one had heard of a Seven driver being killed or seriously injured.

A few Europa drivers....but no Sevens.

This was an informal poll and I am sure that if someone got really hurt they may not be able to respond or might not be on the various lists....but no one knew of anything.

I am not saying the Atom is unsafe....all I am saying is that the frontal impact does seem to encroach on the drivers and passengers feet. Much like a formula car. they should have a strong cell up there. The cars are certainly enough money that this can be a doable thing.

The Elise has a fairly good crush structure and it is only a 50K car. Last I heard the Atoms were quite a bit above that.