You didn't compare the recorded crash forces on test dummies in tested
cars.
Let's compare an Acura TSX with a Volvo S60 -- they're within 50 lb of
one another in weight.
In a frontal crash, the Acura protects the dummy better than the Volvo.
Acura TSX
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/3430.html
Curb Weight: 3305
Frontal Crash
Driver Passenger
5 stars 5 stars
Head Injury Criterion 268 214
Chest Deceleration (g's) 42 43
Femur Load l/r1 (lbs) 187/214 805/350
Volvo S60
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/3601.html
Curb Weight: 3355
Frontal Crash
Driver Passenger
4 stars 4 stars
Head Injury Criterion 502 399
Chest Deceleration (g's) 52 47
Femur Load l/r1 (lbs) 810/687 504/703
In a side crash, they're about the same.
Acura TSX
Side Crash
Front seat Rear seat
5 stars 5 stars
Thoracic Trauma Index (TTI) 49 57
Pelvis Deceleration2 (g's) 67 73
Volvo S60
Side Crash
Front seat Rear seat
5 stars 4 stars
Thoracic Trauma Index (TTI) 52 67
Pelvis Deceleration2 (g's) 64 57
Check it out for yourself. You'll see that the Volvos are still very
safe, but no safer than most competing cars.
Rick
