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Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), along with key Victorian road safety organisations, has released details of a study highlighting a significant safety gap between the best and worst performing used cars.
The survey, 2007 Used Car Safety Ratings, covers 279 vehicle types and is the largest of its kind in the world. It was conducted by MUARC with support from RACV, TAC, VicRoads, and other state and federal road authorities and motoring clubs.
The report shows drivers or passengers are 26 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in the worst-rated car, the Daihatsu Hi-Jet (from 1982 to 1990), than in the best one, the VW Passat (1998-2005).
MUARC Senior Research Fellow Dr Stuart Newstead said there were significant variations in protection in each vehicle class, so the vehicle model motorists chose could make a big difference in a crash.
"Data analysed by MUARC covered more than 2.8 million vehicles involved in crashes from 1987-2005 reported to police in Australia and New Zealand," Dr Newstead said.
"The two criteria used to rate vehicle models were crashworthiness -- how much protection the vehicle provides the driver in a crash -- and aggressivity -- how much the vehicle is likely to harm other road users in a crash."
More than 80 vehicle models rated better than average, with 35 of those much better than average.
"Heavier vehicles generally performed better and this shows the role vehicle-mass plays in protecting people in crashes," Dr Newstead said.
Most 4WDs scored average or better results for occupant protection. However, large 4WD vehicles have high aggressivity to other road users and are much more likely to harm other them in a crash.
Most of the other vehicles that rated above average for occupant protection were in the medium and large classes, including locally-made large cars.
Many recent European mid-size vehicles also received above average ratings.
"This suggests European cars are leading the way in safety design and specification of safety features," Dr Newstead said.
Small and light cars continue to have the worst performance in crashes. Light cars remain particularly problematic, with around two thirds in the worst category.
This includes two vehicles still on sale -- the Daewoo Kalos (2003-2004), which is now badged as a Holden Barina, and the Hyundai Getz (2002-2005).
"Car buyers should choose second-hand small cars with care and check the safety rating. Within this class there is a difference between cars and some are safer than others," Dr Newstead said.
"The majority of the worst performing vehicles were pre-1990 models, which demonstrates the gains made in occupant protection in newer vehicles."
A full list of the 2007 Used Car Safety Ratings are available from the How Safe Is Your Car website or the VicRoads website.
Editor's Note: Original news release can be found here.
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