the 59's right fender came off way to easily. didn't even look bolted on. the left fender and door sheared off easily also. the windshield came out in one piece as well as the sun visors. makes ya' think. i just remember the phony pick up truck explosions that someone (insurance co.)rigged several years ago.
That was Dateline NBC with the rigged tests, not an insurance company. This is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and it's the exact same test they've been using for 50 years to determine safety ratings -- well before the government was doing it. These tests were started way back so that member insurance companies would be able to base their premiums on which cars were expected to have more or less damage.
The lack of crumple zones, safety cages etc. is exactly why the old car couldn't stand up to the new one.
What's the point? Look at that top view - both cars look pretty messed up. Probably the best thing to do, no matter what kind of car your driving, is don't plow straight on into another vehicle. 
The point is that the driver of the newer car would probably walk away with minor injuries while the driver of the older car would probably be killed instantly. Both cars are messed up, but the newer car protects the passenger much better. And the IIHS tests are done this way because people do run into each other.
Maybe you don't want to know how crash-worthy your car is. That's fine with me, but I'd rather know.
