Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site watrose.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!watnot!watrose!tohaapanen
From: tohaapanen@watrose.UUCP (Tom Haapanen)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: small car manners and other flames
Message-ID: <7776@watrose.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 26-Jan-86 20:04:06 EST
Article-I.D.: watrose.7776
Posted: Sun Jan 26 20:04:06 1986
Date-Received: Mon, 27-Jan-86 02:48:50 EST
References: <3570@harpo.UUCP>
Reply-To: tohaapanen@watrose.UUCP (Tom Haapanen)
Organization: U of Waterloo, Ontario
Lines: 35

In article <3570@harpo.UUCP> jrl@harpo.UUCP (jrl) writes:

>   General flames to subcompact car drivers 

Practically all of these flames apply to *all* drivers, not just
subcompact drivers.

>   5) Small cars are death boxes, and if you drive one, you should be aware
>      of what might happen if you screw up and hit something. You might get
>      killed or maimed. I was in a small car that was involved in a minor
>      collision and was quite surprised at the damage and forces involved.

No question, small cars look BAD after an accident.  However, the
driver and passengers usually look GOOD.  Most newer small cars
(mid-1970's and on) are designed to crumple under impact.  It makes
for spectacular damage, but the wrinkling absorbs much of the energy
of the collision, and the occupants receive more protection.  It's
sort of like hitting a brick wall (say, an 18-wheeler) with your bare
fist (your car).  It'll hurt like hell, regardless of how big your
fist is, but if you're wearing boxing gloves, you might not break any
fingers...

>      ... Most people that I know that have
>      been in accidents in subcompact Jap pieces of crap will never buy
>      one again.

Most people I know that have been in accidents in small cars have
bought new small cars...  (In any case, the new Golf and GTI are
*compacts* according to EPA, not subcompacts!  :-)


				   \tom haapanen
				   watmath!watrose!haapanen

...and I even sign my articles