Anonymous
 |
Actually, though Volvo has a reputation for manufacturing safe cars, their current models often do no better than other safe cars in its class. One major problem Volvo has is that their models have a slow refresh cycle. The new S80 should be great, but surprisingly, the S60 and S40 don't fare well. I don't know about the others.
------------
Things to look for:
Side curtain airbags can reduce the chance of death and skull fracture by 40% in some cases, during a side impact.
Crash test ratings: The insurance institute for highway safety and EuroNCAP have stricter requirements than the NHTSA, so check them first.
Weight: If you have a car which weighs 2x as much as another, it absorbs only 1/8 the force! Try to buy a car that is as heavy as possible, yet still has good fuel economy. Buy a car that weighs at least 3000 pounds.
ESC: Electronic Stability Control, with many monikers depending on manufacturer, uses a complex array of sensors to determine if your car may slip out of control, and applies braking force to the appropriate wheel(s) before it happens. It supposedly provides 25 to 35% more control in certain situations, and the US government has found cars with ESC run into 22% fewer accidents.
Death statistics: Some European governments keep track of how often people die with different cars, corrected for the car population, mileage, # of people in the car, etc. It gives you real-life information, something that crash tests can't do. But then it also factors in driving habits and where people drive (ie in wealthier neighborhoods people are likely more courteous). Unfortunately, it takes a few years for the data to be compiled (after a model comes out, they have to wait and see).
----------
In general, buy cars in this order, from safest to most dangerous:
Large car, minivan, midsize car, SUV, small car.
If you want a large car:
Mercedes S Class
Jaguar XJ
both of these cars have the lowest death rates on the road.
If you want a midsize car:
Audi A6
Mercedes E Class
Acura RL
the Audi and Acura have excellent crash test ratings, the E Class not so much. But the E Class one of the lowest death rates, though it can also be attributed to less aggressive driving behavior of Mercedes owners.
Minivan
Nissan Quest
Honda Odyssey
SUV
Infiniti FX35
Acura MDX
Porsche Cayenne
The Cayenne handles exceptionally well, and the FX35 has a great rollover rating. The MDX has some of both. The new BMW X5 should be good, but crash test ratings are yet to be released.
--------
Notice:
I didn't mention small cars, because, due to their weight, they tend to be significantly more dangerous, with an order of magnitude of 2 to 6.
SUVs aren't a particularly safe class of vehicle, but since you may want to buy one anyway, I included it.
Luxury car models tend to have active safety features standard and are also at least several hundred pounds heavier than their mass produced counterparts. They cost more, but they are also priced accordingly! |
No Spam
Adult 
Gambling
Unfinished
Deception
Plagiarism
Not English
