2012 passat body structure

I've looked at a lot of rear hit b5.5's and they take a hit a lot better than this:
http://www.copart.com/c2/homeSearch...e2s1&lotId=17958682&returnPage=SEARCH_RESULTS

Obviously, this was a serious collision. I'm not sure I understand what or how you're comparing this to previous models. It appears to me that the body did what it's designed to do: absorb the massive force of the collision by crumpling in a controlled manner, while keeping the passenger cabin as intact as possible.

I would agree that the intrusion into the cabin isn't pretty, but unless we learn the details of the collision, it isn't really fair to campare...IMHO.

That vehicle was hit HARD.

"You can't argue with a fool..." - Nope sure can't

LimonPani said:

That vehicle was hit HARD.

Click to expand...

And whatever hit it was taller than the rear bumper beam... If you notice the bumper didn't move much, the impact was on the soft bodywork and just folded the bumper structure around.



The same thing just happened to our 91 Jetta.



It looks like the Passat did really well for how big of an accident that was.

-J

So let me understand this, you don't own the car and you're researching safety. You probably stumbled on the awards that it has received for safety, but not being satisfied you dig deeper. You find a picture of OUR car that was hit extremely hard and the inside shows limited damage. I would wage a bet that everyone lived in this accident with minor injuries. So please do show a comparison of your B5.5 that "take a hit a lot better than this". I'll need the same car, hit at the same speed and in the same spot, fool.

Considering the force and unusual direction of the impact, I think the Passat did quite well.

As an owner of a B5 S4 and a guy who has worked the "Jaws of life" a few times in his day, I feel confident a B5.5 would fold like a cheap lawn chair in a similar accident.

thundershorts said:

I've looked at a lot of rear hit b5.5's and they take a hit a lot better than this:
http://www.copart.com/c2/homeSearch...e2s1&lotId=17958682&returnPage=SEARCH_RESULTS

Click to expand...

I was just rear ended on Monday. A MkIII Jetta didn't stop in time when traffic slowed down on the interstate and plowed into the back of our Passat. He couldn't drive away. Our bumper cover is scratched. I am sure there is some internal damage to the bumper, but I think the car faired very, very well.

(Link to more details of the accident)

This thread is about to go the way of the Dodo...

Anyone feel like rescuing it?

Only YOU can prevent rear end collisions... don't drink and text... er operate heavy machinery if it travels faster than you can walk under the influence of smartphones and dumb operators.

One of my biggest concerns is looking in the rear view mirror with a young driver having eyes everywhere inside their car except on the road in front of them... it mandates an immediate lane change from me. That and A$$hats that don't allow one car length per 10mph of speed we are traveling at, minimum, especially in light traffic conditions.