In a bold move challenging the notion that everything was made better in the past, the Australasian New-Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) marked its 30th anniversary with a unique celebration. They subjected 30-year-old vehicles to modern crash safety tests, debunking the belief that old is always gold and highlighting the advancements in automotive safety.
The ANCAP tested iconic vehicles from the 1990s, including the Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Volvo 940, Subaru Liberty, and Honda Accord, inviting car owners to witness the crashes and share their reactions. The first on the list was the 1993 Mitsubishi Magna, a vehicle considered safe in its time despite lacking airbags and advanced safety features.
The Old Car Magna, the initial vehicle tested by ANCAP in the ’90s, demonstrated the stark contrast in safety standards between then and now. The video revealed the vehicle’s inability to protect occupants from serious injuries, underscoring the significant advancements in automotive safety over the years.
Crucially, crash testing in the ’90s varied significantly from today’s stringent standards. The star rating system, in effect from 1999 onward, revolutionized safety assessments. Unlike the modern numeric system, ’90s results were color-coded, with red indicating severe injury risk, amber representing a moderate risk, and green signaling minimal risk.
Analyzing frontal collisions, the Magna’s performance highlighted the outdated safety measures of the past. The lack of airbags resulted in a high risk of severe or fatal skull fracture for the dummy, with a force of 107g upon impact with the steering wheel—double the standard forces in contemporary 5-star-rated cars equipped with airbags.
This ANCAP initiative vividly illustrates the monumental strides in vehicle safety. Modern cars, subjected to higher test speeds (now at 40 mph compared to ’90s tests at 35 mph), undergo more comprehensive assessments covering diverse crash scenarios. The evolution extends to the test dummies, now capable of relaying extensive data and representing a broader range of body shapes and sizes.
In conclusion, ANCAP’s crash test retrospective serves as a compelling testament to the commitment of the automotive industry to prioritize and enhance vehicle safety, dispelling the myth that older vehicles were inherently safer. The future of road safety lies in the continuous evolution and implementation of advanced technologies and testing methodologies.
Watch the Old Car Crash Test :
