The classic vw beetle it's what most people think of when they think of the seventies or hippies. There have been multiple reports of these cars being far safer than those of today, but there have been even more reports of them being deadly in the event of an accident. With the engine mounted in the rear and having hollow trunk space in the front of the car, we are not off to a good start. In pre 1968 models there is no collapsible steering column, this means that if you hit something head on the steering wheel is going to jump out at you possibly causing serious facial and chest injuries. Bugs are small and light and with so many SUV's on the road nowadays the bug would be squashed like, well a bug. A general rule of thumb is that the heavier vehicle always wins. Another key safety feature that wasn't introduced until 1973 is IRS, or Independent Rear suspension. Before IRS the bug was equipped with swing Axel suspension. This is when the wheels flex at an arch rather than straight up and down. In an emergency situation when you have to swerve in a bug the swing Axel suspension tucks under the car causing it to roll over, an obvious problem. So next time you think about buying a vintage, think twice.
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