VIDEO: Malibu vs. Bel Air Crash Test

Now this one you have got to see. Crash tests have proved to be an interesting thing to watch over the years. Head on collisions, rollovers - not to mention the horrific test results from some Chinese vehicles. The main body for vehicle safety testing in the United States, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is celebrating it's 50th anniversary.

Birthday cake, huge party? No, the IIHS decided to celebrate by going big and doing what it does best - perform crash tests. Witness the video below. The IIHS picked the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu and the 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air to demonstrate how far automotive safety has come in that time. Witness:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joMK1WZjP7g

Classic car enthusiasts everywhere are cringing! Beyond that though, the results are amazing to see because no one has ever quite done anything like this before. The driver of the 1959 Bel Air most likely would have died in the accident, with the IIHS saying:

“The dummy's head struck the steering wheel rim and hub and then the roof and unpadded metal instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.... The windshield was completely dislodged from the car and the driver door opened during the crash, both presenting a risk of ejection. In addition, the front bench seat was torn away from the floor on the driver side.”

As you can see, results on the Malibu are much better. “A high acceleration was recorded on the left foot, indicating that foot injuries would be possible.” It didn't take a genius to figure out the result, but it's still interesting to see it actually on film. It also puts to rest anyone who says classic cars are safer because "they are built better".