This is a great video that everyone should watch. But part of the problem with the 50 y/o car may be that the steel has rusted (based on the rust-colored cloud

This is a great video that everyone should watch. But part of the problem with the 50 y/o car may be that the steel has rusted (based on the rust-colored cloud of particles). That may be why the older car just disintegrates. OTOH the weakening of the steel because of rust creates a de-facto "crumple zone"? A minor improvement? :) Older cars were much too rigid and the body didn't absorb much energy. It was all transmitted to the occupants. Also, forgetting about design improvements in safety, I'm not sure I want to "bet my life" on 50 year old brake lines, etc. That sort of stuff just wears out.