Aftermarket airbags?
06-19-2009, 10:05 AM
#32
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Strelok,
Have you driven an 8V 944 yet?
Are you prepared to deal with your friends and their teasing when your "sports car" cannot even beat a stock Civic off the line?
Not trying to beat up on 944's, this is a reality many younger 944 owners are not aware of.
My 87 S does not have airbags.
No 
Have you driven an 8V 944 yet?
Are you prepared to deal with your friends and their teasing when your "sports car" cannot even beat a stock Civic off the line?
Not trying to beat up on 944's, this is a reality many younger 944 owners are not aware of.
My 87 S does not have airbags.
06-19-2009, 12:29 PM
#34
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944S 88 has air bags and other safety info on 944
The 87 844S had optional airbags, the 88 944S had standard airbags. You should be able to get a 944S for only slightly more than std 944, but not scare your parents that you have a turbo or such.
This old report from hwy safety institute shows 944 to be one of the safest sports cars:
Special Report, Part 5
When shopping for a car, it is a good idea to keep in mind the potential damage passengers and the vehicle might suffer in an accident. One way to compare such potential for loss among different models is with insurance statistics that show the relative degree of losses experienced by particular models over several years.
The table that follows, compiled by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), presents the injury- and collision-loss experience of the 200 most popular cars in the United States. The data are based on analysis of insurance claims for millions of 1987-1989 model cars. (In addition, a separate table-based on preliminary data for 60 1990 models-lists cars with the best and worst collision-loss experience.)
The data show that injury and vehicle damage varies widely, even among models of similar size and body type. However, passengers in small cars, are, in general, more likely than those in larger cars to get injured in an accident. Nearly half the small cars show a greater than average frequency for occupant injury in a crash, with a range of from 24% to 85% above the norm for all vehicles, while only six models show below-average injury experience. The frequency for similar injuries in large cars, station wagons, and passenger vans is virtually all 25% to 51% below average.
Among the models with the best results in terms of injury and vehicle-damage losses are the Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser and Chevrolet Caprice-both large station wagons-the large four-door Ford Crown Victoria, and the midsize Lincoln Continental. The Mercedes SEL/SDL Series and BMW 735i are also among the best in terms of injury experience, but fare among the worst in collision costs.
The cars with the worst combined injury-and collision-loss records include the small Chevrolet Spectrum, Hyundai Excel, Isuzu I-Mark, and Pontiac LeMans.
Although the data do not account for 1990 or 1991 models, loss experience is generally consistent from year to year, according to HLDI, so the results indicate loss potential for both 1990 and 1991 model cars. Nevertheless, some losses may come down in models that have since been equipped with automatic restraints.
The table groups cars in the first column according to body style: station wagon/passenger van, four-door, two-door, and sport/specialty models; and then by body size, as determined by wheelbase: large, midsize, and small. In each category, cars are listed from best to worst according to injury losses.
All numbers in the table are presented in relative terms, with 100 representing the average for all cars. So, the higher the number reported, the worse the losses; the lower, the better. An injury or collision result of 122 is 22% higher than average, while a result of 75 is 25% lower than average.
The second column, next to the model, lists the overall injury-loss results, which indicate the likelihood, compared with other cars, of an occupant's filing an injury claim if his or her car is involved in an accident. For example, an occupant of the Nissan Sentra, with a listing of 154, would be 54% more likely to suffer an injury than an occupant of a Volkswagen Golf, with a listing of 100.
The third column presents the severe injury-loss results, which are the same as overall injury results except they are restricted to the frequency of claims for medical losses exceeding $500. Where there is no listing, not enough data were available for reliable results.
The fourth column provides collision-damage results for each car. This number reflects how much, compared with other cars,. is paid out by insurance companies to owners of a particular model each year. For instance, the Plymouth Conquest, with 344, pays out 226% more on average than the Dodge Colt, with 118.
Listings can be categorized as follows: less than 70, substantially better than average; 70 to 79, better than average; 80 to 120, average; 121 to 130, worse than average; and greater than 130, substantially worse than average.
For more information about this report and its methodology, write the Highway Loss Data Institute, 1005 North Glebe Road, Arlington, Va. 22201. HLDI is a non-profit organization that is supported by the insurance industry.
Injury and Collision Loss Experience for 1987-1989 Model Cars*
This old report from hwy safety institute shows 944 to be one of the safest sports cars:
Special Report, Part 5
When shopping for a car, it is a good idea to keep in mind the potential damage passengers and the vehicle might suffer in an accident. One way to compare such potential for loss among different models is with insurance statistics that show the relative degree of losses experienced by particular models over several years.
The table that follows, compiled by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), presents the injury- and collision-loss experience of the 200 most popular cars in the United States. The data are based on analysis of insurance claims for millions of 1987-1989 model cars. (In addition, a separate table-based on preliminary data for 60 1990 models-lists cars with the best and worst collision-loss experience.)
The data show that injury and vehicle damage varies widely, even among models of similar size and body type. However, passengers in small cars, are, in general, more likely than those in larger cars to get injured in an accident. Nearly half the small cars show a greater than average frequency for occupant injury in a crash, with a range of from 24% to 85% above the norm for all vehicles, while only six models show below-average injury experience. The frequency for similar injuries in large cars, station wagons, and passenger vans is virtually all 25% to 51% below average.
Among the models with the best results in terms of injury and vehicle-damage losses are the Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser and Chevrolet Caprice-both large station wagons-the large four-door Ford Crown Victoria, and the midsize Lincoln Continental. The Mercedes SEL/SDL Series and BMW 735i are also among the best in terms of injury experience, but fare among the worst in collision costs.
The cars with the worst combined injury-and collision-loss records include the small Chevrolet Spectrum, Hyundai Excel, Isuzu I-Mark, and Pontiac LeMans.
Although the data do not account for 1990 or 1991 models, loss experience is generally consistent from year to year, according to HLDI, so the results indicate loss potential for both 1990 and 1991 model cars. Nevertheless, some losses may come down in models that have since been equipped with automatic restraints.
The table groups cars in the first column according to body style: station wagon/passenger van, four-door, two-door, and sport/specialty models; and then by body size, as determined by wheelbase: large, midsize, and small. In each category, cars are listed from best to worst according to injury losses.
All numbers in the table are presented in relative terms, with 100 representing the average for all cars. So, the higher the number reported, the worse the losses; the lower, the better. An injury or collision result of 122 is 22% higher than average, while a result of 75 is 25% lower than average.
The second column, next to the model, lists the overall injury-loss results, which indicate the likelihood, compared with other cars, of an occupant's filing an injury claim if his or her car is involved in an accident. For example, an occupant of the Nissan Sentra, with a listing of 154, would be 54% more likely to suffer an injury than an occupant of a Volkswagen Golf, with a listing of 100.
The third column presents the severe injury-loss results, which are the same as overall injury results except they are restricted to the frequency of claims for medical losses exceeding $500. Where there is no listing, not enough data were available for reliable results.
The fourth column provides collision-damage results for each car. This number reflects how much, compared with other cars,. is paid out by insurance companies to owners of a particular model each year. For instance, the Plymouth Conquest, with 344, pays out 226% more on average than the Dodge Colt, with 118.
Listings can be categorized as follows: less than 70, substantially better than average; 70 to 79, better than average; 80 to 120, average; 121 to 130, worse than average; and greater than 130, substantially worse than average.
For more information about this report and its methodology, write the Highway Loss Data Institute, 1005 North Glebe Road, Arlington, Va. 22201. HLDI is a non-profit organization that is supported by the insurance industry.
Injury and Collision Loss Experience for 1987-1989 Model Cars*
Code:
Body Style/ Overall Severe Model Injury Injury Collision Station Wagons/Passenger Van LARGE Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 49 58 Buick Electra 52 82 Mercury Grand Marquis 52 82 Chevrolet Caprice 55 48 59 Pontiac Safari Wagon 56 52 Plymouth Grand Voyager 57 45 50 Dodge Grand Caravan 58 51 51 Ford Crown Victoria 60 71 GMC Safari Van 61 59 53 Dodge Caravan 63 60 51 Mazda Wagon 64 87 Plymouth Voyager 66 55 55 Chevrolet Astro Van 69 65 50 Ford Aerostar 73 74 61 Ford Extended Aerostar 75 53 MIDSIZE Volvo 240 55 40 86 Mercury Sable 64 55 77 Toyota Camry" 65 59 67 Ford Taurus 67 63 69 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera 69 61 75 Buick Century 69 65 Pontiac 6000 69 83 Dodge Colt Vista 4WD 75 63 Chevrolet Celebrity 79 71 71 Chevrolet Cavalier 105 101 81 Dodge Colt Vista 110 99 Plymouth Colt Vista 117 94 SMALL Honda Civic 4WD 74 71 Subaru DL/GL 4WD 78 67 76 Mazda 323 80 81 Honda Civic 85 62 Subaru DL/GL 86 84 76 Volkswagen Fox 94 97 Toyota Corolla 98 88 Nissan Sentra 103 94 Ford Escort" 104 82 Toyota Van 108 81 Mitsubishi Wagon 109 111 Four-Door Models LARGE Ford Crown Victoria 57 51 64 Chevrolet Caprice 60 59 56 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight** 61 80 Pontiac Bonneville** 63 64 74 Mercury Grand Marquis 63 66 71 Buick LeSabre** 67 64 69 Buick Electra'* 72 72 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight** 78 76 75 MIDSIZE Dodge Dynasty 69 73 55 Chrysler New Yorker 71 79 78 Plymouth Acclaim 78 52 Mazda 929 78 90 105 Mercury Sable 82 82 84 Ford Taurus 82 84 81 Chrysler LeBaron (hatchback) 83 75 72 Buick Century 83 83 69 Dodge Spirit 86 51 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera 88 87 74 Toyota Camry 88 92 78 Honda Accord 89 87 101 Eagle Premier** 89 71 Ford Tempo 4WD** 89 76 Volvo 240 89 101 83 Pontiac 6000 90 84 85 Chevrolet Celebrity 91 86 70 Toyota Cressida* 95 106 123 Mazda 626 * * 96 96 100 Chevrolet Corsica** 99 95 89 Dodge Lancer 100 89 91 Plymouth Reliant 102 93 76 Dodge Aries 102 97 72 Mitsubishi Sigma 106 103 Nissan Maxima** 106 112 122 Oldsmobile Calais** 107 120 90 Buick Skylark** 108 107 87 Pontiac Grand Am*' 110 109 85 Ford Tempo** 111 112 78 Nissan Stanza 113 116 99 Mercury Topaz** 115 106 79 Buick Skyhawk 115 92 Mitsubishi Galant 118 115 Pontiac Sunbird 124 120 93 Chevrolet Cavalier 125 122 86 SMALL Saab 900 84 154 Acura Integra 97 92 122 Subaru GL 4WD 102 84 Toyota Tercel 104 98 Volkswagen Golf* 106 101 Plymouth Sundance** 112 96 Honda Civic 112 112 102 Dodge Omni 113 103 89 Plymouth Horizon 113 105 80 Dodge Shadow 114 106 90 Mazda 323 116 116 103 Toyota Corolla 120 127 96 Volkswagen Fox 125 128 126 Volkswagen Jetta" 127 141 131 Ford Escort" 134 138 103 Subaru DL/GL 134 143 117 Mercury Tracer 135 108 Pontiac LeMans 153 164 127 Nissan Sentra 154 161 122 Chevrolet Sprint 156 155 107 Isuzu I-Mark 173 103 Hyundai Excel" 174 189 112 Chevrolet Spectrum 185 197 114 Two-Door Models LARGE Ford Thunderbird** 67 72 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight** 74 99 Mercury Cougar" 81 93 Buick LeSabre** 86 115 MIDSIZE Merkur XR4Ti 67 117 Olds Cutlass Supreme" 86 84 84 Plymouth Reliant 86 70 Buick Regal" 87 84 88 Pontiac Grand Prix** 88 88 87 Honda Accord" 93 88 116 Honda Prelude" 94 90 119 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera 95 90 94 Dodge Aries 102 75 Chrysler LeBaron-*** 109 116 Buick Somerset/Skylark" 110 106 91 Oldsmobile Calais" 110 115 105 Ford Tempo* * 111 120 91 Pontiac Grand Am* 113 118 99 Chevrolet Beretta** 129 130 121 Buick Skyhawk 130 129 101 Chevrolet Cavalier 138 134 112 Pontiac Sunbird 138 136 117 SMALL Volkswagen GTI 95 169 Honda Civic 96 93 99 Volkswagen Golf* 100 102 Acura Integra 101 91 138 Saab 900 Turbo, S** 101 182 Subaru GL 4WD 104 113 Mazda MX-6 107 116 141 Nissan 240SX** 109 169 Mazda 323 112 106 92 Dodge Colt** 112 118 Plymouth Conquest** 112 344 Ford Probe 117 123 134 Toyota Celica 120 122 144 Volkswagen Fox 124 116 116 Mercury Tracer 124 121 114 Subaru DL/GL 129 111 Mitsubishi Starion* 131 341 Toyota Tercel 132 131 102 Toyota Corolla 136 145 139 Plymouth Sundance** 139 112 Dodge Shadow** 141 117 Yugo 144 148 99 Nissan Pulsar 144 151 144 Ford Escort** 147 150 129 Subaru Justy 150 97 Nissan Sentra 150 155 133 Dodge Daytona*** 151 144 142 Ford Festiva 154 153 102 Chevrolet Spectrum 157 155 121 Subaru XT Coupe** 157 154 Hyundai Excel 157 166 112 Isuzu I-Mark 160 129 Pontiac LeMans 165 162 143 Chevrolet Sprint 173 176 114 Sports & Specialty Models LARGE Mercedes SEL/SDL Series*** 48 50 149 BMW 735i*** 49 186 Lincoln Town Car 62 69 83 Cadillac Fleetwood/DeVille 4D 65 73 83 Cadillac Brougham 66 76 83 Mercedes 260E/30OD/E*** 67 74 161 Cadillac DeVille 2D 75 88 104 MIDSIZE Volvo 740/760 SW*** 40 89 Lincoln Continental*** 46 71 Cadillac Seville 52 55 98 Saab 9000 53 152 Acura Legend 4D*** 62 102 BMW 325i Conv. 67 177 Lincoln Mark VII 67 73 127 Volvo 740/760 4D*** 68 110 Cadillac Eldorado 70 69 103 Austin Rov. Sterling 825/827 72 118 Oldsmobile Toronado 73 112 Toyota Supra 82 82 182 Buick Riviera 85 103 BMW 300 Series 4D 90 91 249 BMW 300 Series 2D 91 94 192 Mercedes 190D/E*** 94 103 150 Ford Mustang Conv. 96 102 142 Chrysler LeBaron Conv.*** 98 117 Chevrolet Cavalier Conv. 105 116 Pontiac Firebird 110 113 156 Ford Mustang 127 128 166 Chevrolet Camero 127 135 153 SMALL Mercedes 560SL Conv.*** 50 154 Porsche 944 Coupe 61 270 Chevrolet Corvette Conv. 73 122 Chevrolet Corvette 73 79 155 Toyota Celica Conv. 85 142 Nissan 30OZX 2+2 91 155 Nissan 30OZX 96 94 142 Volkswagon Cabriolet 107 129 Toyota MR2 127 141 Honda Civic CRX** 144 156 *Unless noted otherwise, injury results are based on 1987-1989 models with manual safety belts; 1990 and 1991 models of these cars must have automatic restraints, either belts or air bags, which might provide better injury protection. **Injury results are based on models equipped with automatic belts. ***lnjury results are based on models with air bags. Relative Average Loss Payments For 1990 Model Cars* Best Collision Results Model Style** Size Rating Buick Century 4-Dr. Midsize 35 Chevrolet Astro Van P.V. Large 44 Plymouth Grand Voyager P.V. Large 45 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 4-Dr. Large 48 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-Dr. Midsize 51 Dodge Grand Caravan P.V. Large 52 Buick Electra 4-Dr Large 55 Dodge Caravan P.V. Large 58 Chevrolet Lumina 4-Dr. Midsize 60 Chevrolet Caprice 4-dr. Large 60 Ford Taurus 4-Dr. Midsize 64 Mazda Wagon P.V. Large 64 Worst Collision Results Model Style** Size Rating Nissan 30OZX Sp. Small 208 Toyota Celica 2-dr. Small 203 Nissan 240SX 2-dr. Small 177 Nissan 30OZX 2+2 Sp. Midsize 172 Chevrolet Camaro Sp. Midsize 169 Ford Mustang Sp. Midsize 163 Pontiac Bonneville 4-dr. Large 150 Plymouth Laser 2-dr. Small 146 Chevrolet Beretta 2-dr. Midsize 142 Geo Storm 2-dr. Small 140 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-dr. Small 138 Lexus LS400 Sp. Large 134 *100 = Average for all 1990 models combined. **Body styles: P.V. = passenger van; Sp. = sport or specialty; 4-dr. = four door: 2-dr. = two door SOURCE: The Highway Loss Data Institute. [/FONT]
Last edited by jeffbarn; 06-19-2009 at 12:31 PM. Reason: formating
06-19-2009, 04:45 PM
#35
Three Wheelin'
Dude...you're still not getting this. Rock is saying the same thing I am, which is NOT that airbags aren't worthwhile, but that they are NOT a "robust" system as you stated. I'm not sure the intention can be made any more clear than this.
06-19-2009, 05:44 PM
#36
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Oh, well that's just a boring argument about semantics.
I have stripped cars with airbag systems and am very impressed by the quality of the wiring and connectors. Compared to (pretty robust) systems like the lights and the horn, the airbag system is even more robust. It has fault detection that seems to work tolerably well. There are probably fewer ways to fool the fault detection than you think.
No, they do not always deploy but much of that is an effect of having to be designed to minimize unintended deployments. Or they may have been tampered with, or the owner might be ignoring an airbag fault indication. Neither of us know how common that is.
Without actually studying many crashes where airbags failed to deploy to find out why there is no answering your question of robustness. My question, on the other had, of 'why ask the question?' is more relevant. Much like a motorcycle helmet, I think it's clear you are better off with than without, even if they are not perfect (unless you are a child or small and have osteoporosis.) Even if the system does not pass your definition of 'robust.'
-Joel.
I have stripped cars with airbag systems and am very impressed by the quality of the wiring and connectors. Compared to (pretty robust) systems like the lights and the horn, the airbag system is even more robust. It has fault detection that seems to work tolerably well. There are probably fewer ways to fool the fault detection than you think.
No, they do not always deploy but much of that is an effect of having to be designed to minimize unintended deployments. Or they may have been tampered with, or the owner might be ignoring an airbag fault indication. Neither of us know how common that is.
Without actually studying many crashes where airbags failed to deploy to find out why there is no answering your question of robustness. My question, on the other had, of 'why ask the question?' is more relevant. Much like a motorcycle helmet, I think it's clear you are better off with than without, even if they are not perfect (unless you are a child or small and have osteoporosis.) Even if the system does not pass your definition of 'robust.'
-Joel.
06-19-2009, 11:27 PM
#37
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Oh I'm entirely aware of that. I'm not looking for a dragster. Although the S2 and Turbo are pretty appealing for that reason, and they'll make the parents happy with the airbags. But it won't make my wallet happy...
09-12-2009, 12:27 AM
#38
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The 87 844S had optional airbags, the 88 944S had standard airbags. You should be able to get a 944S for only slightly more than std 944, but not scare your parents that you have a turbo or such.
This old report from hwy safety institute shows 944 to be one of the safest sports cars:
Special Report, Part 5
When shopping for a car, it is a good idea to keep in mind the potential damage passengers and the vehicle might suffer in an accident. One way to compare such potential for loss among different models is with insurance statistics that show the relative degree of losses experienced by particular models over several years.
The table that follows, compiled by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), presents the injury- and collision-loss experience of the 200 most popular cars in the United States. The data are based on analysis of insurance claims for millions of 1987-1989 model cars. (In addition, a separate table-based on preliminary data for 60 1990 models-lists cars with the best and worst collision-loss experience.)
The data show that injury and vehicle damage varies widely, even among models of similar size and body type. However, passengers in small cars, are, in general, more likely than those in larger cars to get injured in an accident. Nearly half the small cars show a greater than average frequency for occupant injury in a crash, with a range of from 24% to 85% above the norm for all vehicles, while only six models show below-average injury experience. The frequency for similar injuries in large cars, station wagons, and passenger vans is virtually all 25% to 51% below average.
Among the models with the best results in terms of injury and vehicle-damage losses are the Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser and Chevrolet Caprice-both large station wagons-the large four-door Ford Crown Victoria, and the midsize Lincoln Continental. The Mercedes SEL/SDL Series and BMW 735i are also among the best in terms of injury experience, but fare among the worst in collision costs.
The cars with the worst combined injury-and collision-loss records include the small Chevrolet Spectrum, Hyundai Excel, Isuzu I-Mark, and Pontiac LeMans.
Although the data do not account for 1990 or 1991 models, loss experience is generally consistent from year to year, according to HLDI, so the results indicate loss potential for both 1990 and 1991 model cars. Nevertheless, some losses may come down in models that have since been equipped with automatic restraints.
The table groups cars in the first column according to body style: station wagon/passenger van, four-door, two-door, and sport/specialty models; and then by body size, as determined by wheelbase: large, midsize, and small. In each category, cars are listed from best to worst according to injury losses.
All numbers in the table are presented in relative terms, with 100 representing the average for all cars. So, the higher the number reported, the worse the losses; the lower, the better. An injury or collision result of 122 is 22% higher than average, while a result of 75 is 25% lower than average.
The second column, next to the model, lists the overall injury-loss results, which indicate the likelihood, compared with other cars, of an occupant's filing an injury claim if his or her car is involved in an accident. For example, an occupant of the Nissan Sentra, with a listing of 154, would be 54% more likely to suffer an injury than an occupant of a Volkswagen Golf, with a listing of 100.
The third column presents the severe injury-loss results, which are the same as overall injury results except they are restricted to the frequency of claims for medical losses exceeding $500. Where there is no listing, not enough data were available for reliable results.
The fourth column provides collision-damage results for each car. This number reflects how much, compared with other cars,. is paid out by insurance companies to owners of a particular model each year. For instance, the Plymouth Conquest, with 344, pays out 226% more on average than the Dodge Colt, with 118.
Listings can be categorized as follows: less than 70, substantially better than average; 70 to 79, better than average; 80 to 120, average; 121 to 130, worse than average; and greater than 130, substantially worse than average.
For more information about this report and its methodology, write the Highway Loss Data Institute, 1005 North Glebe Road, Arlington, Va. 22201. HLDI is a non-profit organization that is supported by the insurance industry.
Injury and Collision Loss Experience for 1987-1989 Model Cars*
This old report from hwy safety institute shows 944 to be one of the safest sports cars:
Special Report, Part 5
When shopping for a car, it is a good idea to keep in mind the potential damage passengers and the vehicle might suffer in an accident. One way to compare such potential for loss among different models is with insurance statistics that show the relative degree of losses experienced by particular models over several years.
The table that follows, compiled by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), presents the injury- and collision-loss experience of the 200 most popular cars in the United States. The data are based on analysis of insurance claims for millions of 1987-1989 model cars. (In addition, a separate table-based on preliminary data for 60 1990 models-lists cars with the best and worst collision-loss experience.)
The data show that injury and vehicle damage varies widely, even among models of similar size and body type. However, passengers in small cars, are, in general, more likely than those in larger cars to get injured in an accident. Nearly half the small cars show a greater than average frequency for occupant injury in a crash, with a range of from 24% to 85% above the norm for all vehicles, while only six models show below-average injury experience. The frequency for similar injuries in large cars, station wagons, and passenger vans is virtually all 25% to 51% below average.
Among the models with the best results in terms of injury and vehicle-damage losses are the Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser and Chevrolet Caprice-both large station wagons-the large four-door Ford Crown Victoria, and the midsize Lincoln Continental. The Mercedes SEL/SDL Series and BMW 735i are also among the best in terms of injury experience, but fare among the worst in collision costs.
The cars with the worst combined injury-and collision-loss records include the small Chevrolet Spectrum, Hyundai Excel, Isuzu I-Mark, and Pontiac LeMans.
Although the data do not account for 1990 or 1991 models, loss experience is generally consistent from year to year, according to HLDI, so the results indicate loss potential for both 1990 and 1991 model cars. Nevertheless, some losses may come down in models that have since been equipped with automatic restraints.
The table groups cars in the first column according to body style: station wagon/passenger van, four-door, two-door, and sport/specialty models; and then by body size, as determined by wheelbase: large, midsize, and small. In each category, cars are listed from best to worst according to injury losses.
All numbers in the table are presented in relative terms, with 100 representing the average for all cars. So, the higher the number reported, the worse the losses; the lower, the better. An injury or collision result of 122 is 22% higher than average, while a result of 75 is 25% lower than average.
The second column, next to the model, lists the overall injury-loss results, which indicate the likelihood, compared with other cars, of an occupant's filing an injury claim if his or her car is involved in an accident. For example, an occupant of the Nissan Sentra, with a listing of 154, would be 54% more likely to suffer an injury than an occupant of a Volkswagen Golf, with a listing of 100.
The third column presents the severe injury-loss results, which are the same as overall injury results except they are restricted to the frequency of claims for medical losses exceeding $500. Where there is no listing, not enough data were available for reliable results.
The fourth column provides collision-damage results for each car. This number reflects how much, compared with other cars,. is paid out by insurance companies to owners of a particular model each year. For instance, the Plymouth Conquest, with 344, pays out 226% more on average than the Dodge Colt, with 118.
Listings can be categorized as follows: less than 70, substantially better than average; 70 to 79, better than average; 80 to 120, average; 121 to 130, worse than average; and greater than 130, substantially worse than average.
For more information about this report and its methodology, write the Highway Loss Data Institute, 1005 North Glebe Road, Arlington, Va. 22201. HLDI is a non-profit organization that is supported by the insurance industry.
Injury and Collision Loss Experience for 1987-1989 Model Cars*
Code:
Body Style/ Overall Severe Model Injury Injury Collision Station Wagons/Passenger Van LARGE Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 49 58 Buick Electra 52 82 Mercury Grand Marquis 52 82 Chevrolet Caprice 55 48 59 Pontiac Safari Wagon 56 52 Plymouth Grand Voyager 57 45 50 Dodge Grand Caravan 58 51 51 Ford Crown Victoria 60 71 GMC Safari Van 61 59 53 Dodge Caravan 63 60 51 Mazda Wagon 64 87 Plymouth Voyager 66 55 55 Chevrolet Astro Van 69 65 50 Ford Aerostar 73 74 61 Ford Extended Aerostar 75 53 MIDSIZE Volvo 240 55 40 86 Mercury Sable 64 55 77 Toyota Camry" 65 59 67 Ford Taurus 67 63 69 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera 69 61 75 Buick Century 69 65 Pontiac 6000 69 83 Dodge Colt Vista 4WD 75 63 Chevrolet Celebrity 79 71 71 Chevrolet Cavalier 105 101 81 Dodge Colt Vista 110 99 Plymouth Colt Vista 117 94 SMALL Honda Civic 4WD 74 71 Subaru DL/GL 4WD 78 67 76 Mazda 323 80 81 Honda Civic 85 62 Subaru DL/GL 86 84 76 Volkswagen Fox 94 97 Toyota Corolla 98 88 Nissan Sentra 103 94 Ford Escort" 104 82 Toyota Van 108 81 Mitsubishi Wagon 109 111 Four-Door Models LARGE Ford Crown Victoria 57 51 64 Chevrolet Caprice 60 59 56 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight** 61 80 Pontiac Bonneville** 63 64 74 Mercury Grand Marquis 63 66 71 Buick LeSabre** 67 64 69 Buick Electra'* 72 72 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight** 78 76 75 MIDSIZE Dodge Dynasty 69 73 55 Chrysler New Yorker 71 79 78 Plymouth Acclaim 78 52 Mazda 929 78 90 105 Mercury Sable 82 82 84 Ford Taurus 82 84 81 Chrysler LeBaron (hatchback) 83 75 72 Buick Century 83 83 69 Dodge Spirit 86 51 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera 88 87 74 Toyota Camry 88 92 78 Honda Accord 89 87 101 Eagle Premier** 89 71 Ford Tempo 4WD** 89 76 Volvo 240 89 101 83 Pontiac 6000 90 84 85 Chevrolet Celebrity 91 86 70 Toyota Cressida* 95 106 123 Mazda 626 * * 96 96 100 Chevrolet Corsica** 99 95 89 Dodge Lancer 100 89 91 Plymouth Reliant 102 93 76 Dodge Aries 102 97 72 Mitsubishi Sigma 106 103 Nissan Maxima** 106 112 122 Oldsmobile Calais** 107 120 90 Buick Skylark** 108 107 87 Pontiac Grand Am*' 110 109 85 Ford Tempo** 111 112 78 Nissan Stanza 113 116 99 Mercury Topaz** 115 106 79 Buick Skyhawk 115 92 Mitsubishi Galant 118 115 Pontiac Sunbird 124 120 93 Chevrolet Cavalier 125 122 86 SMALL Saab 900 84 154 Acura Integra 97 92 122 Subaru GL 4WD 102 84 Toyota Tercel 104 98 Volkswagen Golf* 106 101 Plymouth Sundance** 112 96 Honda Civic 112 112 102 Dodge Omni 113 103 89 Plymouth Horizon 113 105 80 Dodge Shadow 114 106 90 Mazda 323 116 116 103 Toyota Corolla 120 127 96 Volkswagen Fox 125 128 126 Volkswagen Jetta" 127 141 131 Ford Escort" 134 138 103 Subaru DL/GL 134 143 117 Mercury Tracer 135 108 Pontiac LeMans 153 164 127 Nissan Sentra 154 161 122 Chevrolet Sprint 156 155 107 Isuzu I-Mark 173 103 Hyundai Excel" 174 189 112 Chevrolet Spectrum 185 197 114 Two-Door Models LARGE Ford Thunderbird** 67 72 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight** 74 99 Mercury Cougar" 81 93 Buick LeSabre** 86 115 MIDSIZE Merkur XR4Ti 67 117 Olds Cutlass Supreme" 86 84 84 Plymouth Reliant 86 70 Buick Regal" 87 84 88 Pontiac Grand Prix** 88 88 87 Honda Accord" 93 88 116 Honda Prelude" 94 90 119 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera 95 90 94 Dodge Aries 102 75 Chrysler LeBaron-*** 109 116 Buick Somerset/Skylark" 110 106 91 Oldsmobile Calais" 110 115 105 Ford Tempo* * 111 120 91 Pontiac Grand Am* 113 118 99 Chevrolet Beretta** 129 130 121 Buick Skyhawk 130 129 101 Chevrolet Cavalier 138 134 112 Pontiac Sunbird 138 136 117 SMALL Volkswagen GTI 95 169 Honda Civic 96 93 99 Volkswagen Golf* 100 102 Acura Integra 101 91 138 Saab 900 Turbo, S** 101 182 Subaru GL 4WD 104 113 Mazda MX-6 107 116 141 Nissan 240SX** 109 169 Mazda 323 112 106 92 Dodge Colt** 112 118 Plymouth Conquest** 112 344 Ford Probe 117 123 134 Toyota Celica 120 122 144 Volkswagen Fox 124 116 116 Mercury Tracer 124 121 114 Subaru DL/GL 129 111 Mitsubishi Starion* 131 341 Toyota Tercel 132 131 102 Toyota Corolla 136 145 139 Plymouth Sundance** 139 112 Dodge Shadow** 141 117 Yugo 144 148 99 Nissan Pulsar 144 151 144 Ford Escort** 147 150 129 Subaru Justy 150 97 Nissan Sentra 150 155 133 Dodge Daytona*** 151 144 142 Ford Festiva 154 153 102 Chevrolet Spectrum 157 155 121 Subaru XT Coupe** 157 154 Hyundai Excel 157 166 112 Isuzu I-Mark 160 129 Pontiac LeMans 165 162 143 Chevrolet Sprint 173 176 114 Sports & Specialty Models LARGE Mercedes SEL/SDL Series*** 48 50 149 BMW 735i*** 49 186 Lincoln Town Car 62 69 83 Cadillac Fleetwood/DeVille 4D 65 73 83 Cadillac Brougham 66 76 83 Mercedes 260E/30OD/E*** 67 74 161 Cadillac DeVille 2D 75 88 104 MIDSIZE Volvo 740/760 SW*** 40 89 Lincoln Continental*** 46 71 Cadillac Seville 52 55 98 Saab 9000 53 152 Acura Legend 4D*** 62 102 BMW 325i Conv. 67 177 Lincoln Mark VII 67 73 127 Volvo 740/760 4D*** 68 110 Cadillac Eldorado 70 69 103 Austin Rov. Sterling 825/827 72 118 Oldsmobile Toronado 73 112 Toyota Supra 82 82 182 Buick Riviera 85 103 BMW 300 Series 4D 90 91 249 BMW 300 Series 2D 91 94 192 Mercedes 190D/E*** 94 103 150 Ford Mustang Conv. 96 102 142 Chrysler LeBaron Conv.*** 98 117 Chevrolet Cavalier Conv. 105 116 Pontiac Firebird 110 113 156 Ford Mustang 127 128 166 Chevrolet Camero 127 135 153 SMALL Mercedes 560SL Conv.*** 50 154 Porsche 944 Coupe 61 270 Chevrolet Corvette Conv. 73 122 Chevrolet Corvette 73 79 155 Toyota Celica Conv. 85 142 Nissan 30OZX 2+2 91 155 Nissan 30OZX 96 94 142 Volkswagon Cabriolet 107 129 Toyota MR2 127 141 Honda Civic CRX** 144 156 *Unless noted otherwise, injury results are based on 1987-1989 models with manual safety belts; 1990 and 1991 models of these cars must have automatic restraints, either belts or air bags, which might provide better injury protection. **Injury results are based on models equipped with automatic belts. ***lnjury results are based on models with air bags. Relative Average Loss Payments For 1990 Model Cars* Best Collision Results Model Style** Size Rating Buick Century 4-Dr. Midsize 35 Chevrolet Astro Van P.V. Large 44 Plymouth Grand Voyager P.V. Large 45 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 4-Dr. Large 48 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-Dr. Midsize 51 Dodge Grand Caravan P.V. Large 52 Buick Electra 4-Dr Large 55 Dodge Caravan P.V. Large 58 Chevrolet Lumina 4-Dr. Midsize 60 Chevrolet Caprice 4-dr. Large 60 Ford Taurus 4-Dr. Midsize 64 Mazda Wagon P.V. Large 64 Worst Collision Results Model Style** Size Rating Nissan 30OZX Sp. Small 208 Toyota Celica 2-dr. Small 203 Nissan 240SX 2-dr. Small 177 Nissan 30OZX 2+2 Sp. Midsize 172 Chevrolet Camaro Sp. Midsize 169 Ford Mustang Sp. Midsize 163 Pontiac Bonneville 4-dr. Large 150 Plymouth Laser 2-dr. Small 146 Chevrolet Beretta 2-dr. Midsize 142 Geo Storm 2-dr. Small 140 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-dr. Small 138 Lexus LS400 Sp. Large 134 *100 = Average for all 1990 models combined. **Body styles: P.V. = passenger van; Sp. = sport or specialty; 4-dr. = four door: 2-dr. = two door SOURCE: The Highway Loss Data Institute. [/FONT]
