Modern vs classic Chevrolet crash test - GIF

[Duke_of_URL]

Back in the old days, the local autobody shop could have that Bel Air back on the road inside of a month. That new Malibu was totaled within the first 3 inches of impact.

[2SSRedline]

The '59 was totaled as well, and most likely the driver would have been killed. The '09 was much more survivable. Watch the views from the rear seat.

[bob_3000]

Back in the old days, the local autobody shop could have that Bel Air back on the road inside of a month. That new Malibu was totaled within the first 3 inches of impact.

The Bel Air was toast as was the driver/dummy, broken arms, legs, face, heck the steering column went through it's throat...the Malibu dummy/driver probably would survive.

[123biffo]

Back in the old days, the local autobody shop could have that Bel Air back on the road inside of a month. That new Malibu was totaled within the first 3 inches of impact.

Get the insurance to replace the Malibu, the Bel Air driver was straight off to the mortuary. The choice is yours...

[Frank S]

Get the insurance to replace the Malibu, the Bel Air driver was straight off to the mortuary. The choice is yours...

Older cars were designed to be driven not driven into each other, It was expected that if you were driving you knew how to drive and which side of the road to drive on.
Newer cars are designed to crumple when you drive into another one because it is expected drivers will not know how to drive or pay attention to their driving. SO, to give them a better chance of survival cars need to be better equipped to protect the occupants. Also, they know a lot more about creating cocoon like passenger compartments than they did back in the day.
Several new studies are taking place currently concerning the EVs. the FHSC (Federal Highway Safety Commision) Has determined that Electric vehicles pose a much greater threat to other vehicles on the road due to their increased weight. many weigh as much as 2000 to 2500lbs more than a comparable sized Petrol or diesel powered vehicle. What this ultimately will mean is non electric vehicles are going to be faced with possible more stringent safety measures.