Learn Me Classic VW Beetles-Page 3| Classic Motorsports forum |

Kenny_McCormic UltimaDork
10/22/15 12:33 p.m.

For a subcompact from the 30s the Bug crashes remarkably well. Terrible by any modern standard, but a late bug with a padded dash and collapsing column really isn't that bad if you avoid wrapping it around a pole (it will wrap around the pole).

Not much worse in the dreaded offset frontal than a Mk 1 Golf, and the Mk 1 has an engine up front. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRbwTutw-Hk

Joe Gearin Associate Publisher
10/22/15 1:29 p.m.

Any Beetle is a lot safer than my motorcycle---- and I have no qualms about riding. Millions of people have driven hundreds of millions of miles in Beetles. Nearly all of them survived to tell the tale. Sure they aren't as safe as a modern airbag cocoon. That's ok--- you live a little more when you drive a classic---- that-- for me-- makes up for any safety concerns. As they say....your mileage may vary.....

Safety is a personal thing----Some would never think of getting on a motorcycle, or driving an old car. Some of us wouldn't think twice about driving a car across the country without airbags, ABS, or even seatbelts. It's all up to personal choice and what you feel comfortable with.

TeamEvil Dork
10/22/15 1:38 p.m.

I've owned/driven VW's all my life without anything happening, surprisingly. It may well be that they're hard to ignore. Everyone notices 'em, maybe the distinctness of them plays a role in keeping you out of trouble.

VERY hard to miss. No pun intended . . .

aircooled MegaDork
10/22/15 5:10 p.m.

Good point about "everyone notices 'em". That is actually a pretty good safety feature also. People will tend to drive much less aggressively around old cars. I guess they give them a bit of a pass performance wise.

Performance wise btw, swing axle cars are probably best driven pretty sedately unless you've done some mods:

TeamEvil Dork
10/22/15 5:48 p.m.

I love how every wheel displays a different camber.

LainfordExpress HalfDork
10/22/15 6:14 p.m.

I'm well aware of the safety concern, in fact, it is one of the major issues I have with this idea in general. On the other hand, it'll only ever be driven around town at relatively low speeds, on nice days, etc. I would also point out, don't go around thinking other cars of the era are much safer, really their only advantage is mass.