Rhyner, Mark wrote:
>
> Small Pickups Do Poorly in Tests
>
> .....
>
> Once again the philosophy to live by is believe 10% and doubt that.
>
> Not that I believe the author of the article is making it up, it's my
> belief that the tests are totally arbitrary and have little or no basis
> in reality. Just look at how they are set up and think a little bit on
> how often that actually happens --- probably closing in on 0%
> probability.
>
> Not too many people go running into solid immovable objects at 40 MPH
> that don't deflect or deform unless they are contemplating suicide.
>
> Mark R
> 93 5.2Magnum, CC, LE, slushbox, pigeon hauler
An offset head-on with another vehicle is more likely than with a
stationary object. In this scenario, an impact speed of >40mph wouldn't
be too difficult to imagine. But, Mark makes a valid point above - in an
offset crash with another vehicle, the other vehicle will give quite a
bit more than the barrier in the tests did.
Two other questions about these tests...
1. What engine trans configuration was in the Dak tested? My guess was a
V6/auto, the most common config sold. I've have read that having the
larger engine - more mass, tends to be an advantage when colliding with
another vehicle. Of course, the bigger engine is probably a disadvantage
if you go around running into immovable stationary object (that sucker
would be pretty heavy sitting in your lap :-P ).
2. Where is the statistical data, ie. repeteat tests? It would seem that
the Insurance Industry tests only sample one of each vehicle. A
scientific testing methodology does not make conclusions based on a
single test. What if the dummy was defective, not securely fastened,
sensors were improperly placed, the vehicle used had a structural
defect,... Multiple tests are typically used to rule out such anomolies
- which was basically CC's response.
Just some thoughts... I'm not ready to go out and sell my Dak yet.
jeff
98 rc 4x2 v8 5spd 3.55sg flares fipk
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jun 20 2003 - 12:08:47 EDT