I Agree with Moggy

The survability of modern 4x4 is a urban myth . Definitely they can do more harm (to others ) than normal cars... but they are also more dangerous to be in during a crash .

That is for modern 4x4s (Toyota´s prados , Mitshu pajeros ,etc)

However , the classic Landrover (either the series or the defender ,they don´t change much from a structural point of view) is probbably the worst car in the world to be in a head on crash .

Several factors come here

1 Absolutely lack of crumple zones in the bonnet . The frame is rigid and the bonnet , either stays rigid (hence killing the occupants by pure decceleration) or collapse hence killing the occupants by crushing them

2 Lack of internal padding. In a landrover you can still hit your head against pure raw metal , either from the steering , OR the gear , the floors , etc.

3 aluminium body on a Steel chasis sounds like a good idea , but during a crash , a serious crash , the whole body collapses catastrophically

4 Lack of airbags , and more importantly , the steering column pointing directly to the driver. Most cars have crumple areas (breaking points) in the steering linkage. Unlike landrovers , i which it is simply a 1 inch thick bar or steeel pointing the chest of the driver.



Honestly , I rather smash head on against a wall at 60 mpg with my normal car , than at 30mhp with a LandRover. Their survibability-It is a myth , they are actually much more dangerous than normal cars.

Good to hear that you are getting well . Andy.

Javier