Post
Sat Dec 10, 2005 10:45 am
safety is a rather difficult thing to get definitive, but lets look at a few things; this is obviously not advice - just something to think about...
modern cars have crash test ratings; older cars do not, so it is difficult to compare. However, a 1990's BMW will have been made very well and very solidly - the concerns raised above are that a Baur is LESS rigid than a tin-top, not that it is in any way 'floppy'. I for one would rather be in a Baur vs say a modern MX5 in a bad accident.
In the argument of a BMW convertible vs a Baur, yes the BMW has lots of strengthening sections, but it only has the windscreen to protect you in a roll; the Baur has a few more tiny roof bits, so I think probably no difference there. Any convertible will be less safe than a tin-top. If you want no roof, you have to accept this.
If you are in a frontal accident, it would be better to be in a well-made 1990s german car with a long bonnet, than something smaller even with air-bags.
People go on about air-bags, but they only stop your face hitting the interior (don't get me wrong - this is a GOOD THING), but if you have a big crash they will not stop the car deforming and big metal things hurting you.
If you were in even a 1970s Range Rover, and hit the latest Citroen with crash rating of 10, out of which vehicle would you walk?