neoe60

Confirms the obvious.

swajames

True - and the problem is the self-fulfilling prophecy that all the while Americans choose to drive oversized cars they're placing other road users in smaller cars at increased risk. The Camry etc that was presented as a better choice in the video faces the exact same disadvantages as the small cars on test when it's up against something larger.

The logical extension to that line of thought sees all of us driving monster pick ups or Suburbans on the basis that the bigger you are, you reduce your own risk - but at the same time, you're increasing risks for others. As I said, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy.

There's another dynamic in play, though, which is that smaller cars tend to be more nimble and thus able to better avoid some collisions or risks due to their greater maneuverability. Tough one to call. I personally think the shift in emphasis towards smaller cars is a good thing, but it clearly comes with increased risk all the while you're sharing the road with Suburbans, Excursions and F-350's... More to the point, it seems that more often that not those very Suburbans etc are transporting nothing more than the driver...

ImolaRedM

All things being equal is key. That said, I would rather be in a 1-series in a frontal off-set than in a larger sedan of lesser quality build. The argument was also more about larger mass than larger size. Then there is the other aspect. When hitting an immovable object such as a bridge, tree, or building, I would rather be in a good quality sedan or coupe that is built around absorbing the force than in a suburban.