Crash test: 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air Vs. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu - LotusTalk

Lotus Fury · 09-16-2009, 01:13 PM

YouTube - 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air Vs. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu IIHS Offset

Sure don't build them like they used to...

Cardinal · 09-16-2009, 01:17 PM

WOW.

I never would have believed it without seeing it. That's amazing.

Southernguy · 09-16-2009, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lotus Fury

Sure don't build them like they used to...

Thank God!!

...but that should buff right out

Southernguy · 09-16-2009, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cardinal

WOW.

I never would have believed it without seeing it. That's amazing.

I can just hear people saying how those old cars are so safe because "They are made of steel"

Lotus Fury · 09-16-2009, 01:22 PM

The overhead shot is freaking amazing.

evomind · 09-16-2009, 01:31 PM

the sheet metal was thicker back then, but they didnt understand crash structures and crumple zones like we do now.
look at todays race cars vs even stuff from the 60s.

chapster5 · 09-16-2009, 01:39 PM

Ouch! lol have you guys seen that video response of a guy trying to explain it??

Cardinal · 09-16-2009, 01:45 PM

Did anyone notice the fuzzy dice in the Bel Air from 1:00 - 1:09?

SweetDaddyD · 09-16-2009, 01:56 PM

I did not expect the Bel Air to crumple like that. And here I was all prepared to make a comment about how they didn't understand crumple zones back then before watching the video.
As an added bonus that car may not of even come factory with seatbelts, and the steering shaft was likely to harpoon you through the chest. Also the engine mounts didn't break away and direct the engine to go under the body like they do now so you would of had a few hundred pound iron block through your legs and/or organs.

knucklehead · 09-16-2009, 03:07 PM

Was that was shocking. Thanks for sharing.

milehitom · 09-16-2009, 03:37 PM

The fuzzy dice were considered a safety feature back then.

Tom

Spudboy · 09-16-2009, 03:51 PM

I'd still rather have the '59!

Cegan09 · 09-16-2009, 04:19 PM

Interior shots included.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/d309QCuve7c&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/d309QCuve7c&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

RoadDad · 09-16-2009, 04:20 PM

I agree with Spudboy. And if I crash and am sure to die, it will be with a smile on my face. Fun car for "cruising."

Cardinal · 09-16-2009, 04:25 PM

Does the Bel Air in this video have an engine installed? It doesn't quite appear so.

Cegan09 · 09-16-2009, 04:43 PM

the origional video states that the engine is installed, though those bubbles don't seem to show every time you play the video. It does look as though it isn't however.

Cegan09 · 09-16-2009, 05:00 PM

Watch the A-pillar on each car. The 59 just folds like a twig, and the roof falls, while the door is pushed back. Modern cars are built to transfer all that enegery through the pillars, and frame so that the whole car is used to absorb the energy, protecting the occupant.

sorry, one of my classes was relating what i was learning about materials and forces to automotive application, so i think its cool to see how current designs work.

Rob T · 09-16-2009, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lotus Fury

The overhead shot is freaking amazing.

Yep, that was the shot I thought was best too.

Rob T · 09-16-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cardinal

Does the Bel Air in this video have an engine installed? It doesn't quite appear so.

That wouldn't make any sense if it didn't. I would think the results would be extremely different with and without an engine.

the1sen · 09-16-2009, 05:36 PM

That's insane. Thought the Bel Air would have had a dent in the bumper...

No wonder modern cars are so expensive. Crazy that all that safety on a modern car leads to so much damage from low speed impacts, however. Happy medium somewhere...?

09-16-2009, 01:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
Cardinal Ex and future Lotus owner Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Metro North Boston Posts: 4,031 Images: 8	WOW. I never would have believed it without seeing it. That's amazing. __________________ the1sen: why move forward with design when you can recreate a monstrosity from the past?

09-16-2009, 01:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
evomind J. Caesar Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: chicagoland Posts: 5,406	the sheet metal was thicker back then, but they didnt understand crash structures and crumple zones like we do now. look at todays race cars vs even stuff from the 60s. __________________ Vati. C6 ZO6. THE OBITS, YO! KEEP CRYIN! WHAA! REDNECK = PERSON WHO LIVES IN A DUMP BUT DRIVES AN ELISE! I never played by the rules, and I never really cared My nasty reputation takes me everywhere It is admitted by all that he was much addicted to women, as well as very expensive in his intrigues with them, and that he debauched many ladies of the highest quality; among whom were Posthumia, the wife of Servius Sulpicius; and Lollia, the wife of Aulus Gabinius.

09-16-2009, 01:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
chapster5 Photochopper Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Merseyside, UK Posts: 2,639 Images: 6	Ouch! lol have you guys seen that video response of a guy trying to explain it?? __________________ http://www.chuforiagraphics.com/ FOR ALL YOUR GRAPHICS NEEDS CONTACT KEITH ON: sweetdaddydelicious (AT) hotmail (DOT) com

09-16-2009, 01:45 PM	#8 (permalink)
Cardinal Ex and future Lotus owner Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Metro North Boston Posts: 4,031 Images: 8	Did anyone notice the fuzzy dice in the Bel Air from 1:00 - 1:09? __________________ the1sen: why move forward with design when you can recreate a monstrosity from the past?

09-16-2009, 03:07 PM	#10 (permalink)
knucklehead TWRD & Blip advertising Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Marina del Rey, CA Posts: 3,835	Was that was shocking. Thanks for sharing. __________________ Jacob Join Lotuscar.ning.com for LA Lotus social events 05 Exise, 2bular 6 inch exhaust. BWR double adjustable Penske shocks, Hypercoil springs, HIDs, BWR front sway bar, Light weight PC680 battery w/BWR brace, BWR Black badges and wheel centers, Custom SCC paint job, SCC OEM Exige mesh kit and Exige rear clam details, LSD, Lotus sport clutch and light weight fly wheel. Sector front splitter. Stebel horn. Multivex Mirrors. Volk CE28 wheels

09-16-2009, 01:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
Lotus Fury Blame Canada, eh? Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Pgh, Pa Posts: 2,261	The overhead shot is freaking amazing.

09-16-2009, 01:56 PM	#9 (permalink)
SweetDaddyD BANNED Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 7,644 Images: 2	I did not expect the Bel Air to crumple like that. And here I was all prepared to make a comment about how they didn't understand crumple zones back then before watching the video. As an added bonus that car may not of even come factory with seatbelts, and the steering shaft was likely to harpoon you through the chest. Also the engine mounts didn't break away and direct the engine to go under the body like they do now so you would of had a few hundred pound iron block through your legs and/or organs.

09-16-2009, 03:37 PM	#11 (permalink)
milehitom Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 3,143	The fuzzy dice were considered a safety feature back then. Tom

09-16-2009, 03:51 PM	#12 (permalink)
Spudboy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,496	I'd still rather have the '59! __________________ '05 Elise, Nightfall/Touring (1TON 1G) '94 BMW 325iS '67 Austin Healey 3000

09-16-2009, 04:19 PM	#13 (permalink)
Cegan09 Carb novice Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nashua NH Posts: 986	Interior shots included. <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/d309QCuve7c&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/d309QCuve7c&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> __________________ 1987 Porsche 924S - Project restarting very soon 1976 Yamaha XS500 '05 Elise - Dads

09-16-2009, 04:20 PM	#14 (permalink)
RoadDad perfututum futūtor Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6,019	I agree with Spudboy. And if I crash and am sure to die, it will be with a smile on my face. Fun car for "cruising." __________________ "Really, you want to maintain a semblance of professionalism since you represent Lotus. Me... I don't need to. Bite me." -Randy

09-16-2009, 04:25 PM	#15 (permalink)
Cardinal Ex and future Lotus owner Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Metro North Boston Posts: 4,031 Images: 8	Does the Bel Air in this video have an engine installed? It doesn't quite appear so. __________________ the1sen: why move forward with design when you can recreate a monstrosity from the past?

09-16-2009, 04:43 PM	#16 (permalink)
Cegan09 Carb novice Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nashua NH Posts: 986	the origional video states that the engine is installed, though those bubbles don't seem to show every time you play the video. It does look as though it isn't however. __________________ 1987 Porsche 924S - Project restarting very soon 1976 Yamaha XS500 '05 Elise - Dads

09-16-2009, 05:00 PM	#17 (permalink)
Cegan09 Carb novice Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nashua NH Posts: 986	Watch the A-pillar on each car. The 59 just folds like a twig, and the roof falls, while the door is pushed back. Modern cars are built to transfer all that enegery through the pillars, and frame so that the whole car is used to absorb the energy, protecting the occupant. sorry, one of my classes was relating what i was learning about materials and forces to automotive application, so i think its cool to see how current designs work. __________________ 1987 Porsche 924S - Project restarting very soon 1976 Yamaha XS500 '05 Elise - Dads

09-16-2009, 05:36 PM	#20 (permalink)
the1sen The Azteks are coming! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: In The Ghetto... Ghetto of Phoenix AZ Posts: 1,566	That's insane. Thought the Bel Air would have had a dent in the bumper... No wonder modern cars are so expensive. Crazy that all that safety on a modern car leads to so much damage from low speed impacts, however. Happy medium somewhere...? __________________ The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. F The System - ChuforiaGraffix.com SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

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