mmm, maybe some truth in that, but '80s cars were certainly weaker than '60s cars.
My rusty 20 year old mk2 cortina was involved in a front end collision withe a brand new Austin Maestro. The Meastro's front end
folded like a squashed beer can, total write off, where my car looked barely scathed by the impact (though sadly the chassis was
actally bent half-an-inch sideways which meant, for me, it was beyond econimic repair).
True, 21st century cars *are* a lot stronger for a given size, but they've only acheived that by doubling the weight. A average
modern family saloon weighs nearly as much my old Pontiac Firebird, but I know which one I've rather be in if they hit each other
head on, and that's the one with the 8 foot bonnet with a girder for a bumper and a 6 litre lump of cast iron behind it
Vivas aren't so weak either. In 1982 I flipped a 14 year old one at 75mph on a bend, slid 50 yards on the roof before mounting the
kerb upside down barrel rolling in and out of a ditch and finally flattening a road sign which spun the car 180 degrees and left it
on its side.
All 3 occupants walked away unscathed and we weren't wearing seatbelts!
Every panel on the car was twisted and mangled but the passenger cell was relatively intact, though minus half the glass.
Bizarrely though we found the voltage regulator cover and the washer fluid bag in the back seat even though the bonnet was still
down when we stopped, and all my cassette tapes were gone from the glovebox even though I had to crowbar it open!
Sid
----- Original Message -----
From: "griffonmark" <mark.beetham@btconnect.com>
I have seen old Viva's, Escorts, MGBs, Beetles etc. by the hundred fallen to pieces on impact.
Old cars were built to shocking standards even when new. Their crash resistance was appalling.
This post was made via email to the Vauxhall Viva Owners Club
Visit us at
www.vauxhallviva.com
