Well as the title says, we have some destruction in store for you today. Science is always a bit boring, at least for most people, but when it is combined with the automotive world, you get to enjoy something that is incredibly fun, but also educational (especially when you are shopping for your new car). Yes, we are talking about the crash tests, and we managed to dig up 5 of the most-viewed crash test videos ever which were recorded by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the US.
#1 – 2008 Hummer H3 Moderate Overlap
If you recall the Hummer H3 was unavailable to buy in the US since 2010, but that hasn’t stopped the H3 to be on top of this list with nearly 4.8 million views on YouTube. One more thing is important to point out, and that is the fact that the tough looking SUV had middling results.
This model scored “Acceptable” (second highest rating) in the moderate overlap front crash test in this video. The researchers concluded that there is a low risk of injury to the head, neck, and chest, and a very high chance of the injury to the drivers right leg. The other two ratings were “Acceptable” score in a side impact and a “Poor” rating (the worst possible) for the head restraints and seats.
#2 – 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
As you are probably aware, the IIHS, in general, makes these test to measure the safety of the specific model, but they also from time to time do other kinds of tests. Those are the tests that show just how much are you safer now than you were before. That is just what we have here with the clash between Chevrolet Bel Air and Chevrolet Malibu that reached almost 4.3 million views on YouTube. But there is one more thing that this clip shows us, and that is the progress of collision performance over the past 50 years. Incredible indeed!
#3 – 2015 Nissan Tsuru vs. 2016 Nissan Versa
This one is similar to the #2 one where the IIHS put to the test 2015 Nissan Tsuru and 2016 Nissan Versa. To those of you who may not recognize it, the Tsuru is a version of the B13 gen. Sentra which means that its underpinnings are from early 90’s. The only difference between places #2 and #3 is the more dramatic crash between the two Nissan. Inside view of Tsuru shows just how unsafe the vehicle is with the dummy slamming its face into the A-pillar and the knees crumpling into the body, while a huge amount of plastic debris fly around the cabin, not making it any safer.
#4 – 2015 Volkswagen GTI Small Overlap
This one is the IIHS’ crash test that clearly shows a positive result in the agency’s normal evaluations. It is important to point out that this kind of test (small overlap) is very difficult to get right mainly because only a quarter of the front end of a vehicle has to take the damage. But nevertheless they managed it, and Golf GTI scooped a “Good” rating in all it went through, which automatically made it eligible for a Top Safety Pick award. The 2015 model of Golf GTI, unfortunately, missed out on an even more prestigious Top Safety Pick+ honor because of low scores on the front crash prevention system, but the update in 2016 MY made sure it receives the TSP+ award.
5# – 2014 BMW 5 Series Small Overlap
Last but not the least is the BMW 5 Series with over 2.5 million views on YouTube. The testing showed that, although this vehicle has a premium price it can’t be Top Safety Pick because of a “Marginal” score (one step above the lowest grade) in the small overlap front crash test. As it was noted by the IHSS engineers “Measures from the dummy indicate that injuries to the left lower leg would be likely in a crash of this severity. Injuries to the left foot would be possible.”
What exact things do you look for when safety is considered? What is important to you when buying a new or used car, feel free to comment below if you like?!
