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Re: 2-door safety question Posted by Ari [Email] (#2847) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Ari) on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:14:52 In Reply to: 2-door safety question, brick8, Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:54:25 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Bottom line - I wouldn't consider it an issue either way.
In general, fewer openings mean a stronger body structure. So in some hypothetical crash, it would crunch less than a 4 door. I had a '86 3-door and (accidently) drove it into a bridge abutment (ice), and although the front and back (spun) were destroyed, the passenger compartment was untouched, and the doors opened and closed with no problem.
Yes, there are arguments about getting out of the back seat. You can come up with all sorts of scenarios, including those where you're better off without a seatbelt.
I bet that if you check IIHS numbers, you'll see coupes having a worse record than 4 doors. Then again, coupes tend to be sportier (or at least that's the image), because the 4-door is the sign of a more 'responsible' car - as anyone who has ever tried to get a kid out of a car seat in a coupe will tell you. So it's not the car, but the driver.
Personally, I'd stick with a 4 door, because the access with a 2 door is severely compromised. It would be more about usefulness than safety. But if you found a really clean 3-door at a good price, go for it.
Given all the variables, I don't think there is any meaningful difference.
posted by 99.162.183...
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