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When it comes to safety, many enthusiasts believe classic cars were built better. But the truth is that modern cars offer far superior safety, structure, and performance.
At Munro & Associates, we live and breathe engineering. We dissect and study every weld, stamp, and subassembly to understand how vehicles are put together—and more importantly, how they can be made better. And while we’re deeply invested in future-forward innovation, many of us still hold a deep appreciation for the vehicles of the past. After all, there’s something timeless about the shape of a 1959 Bel Air or the raw sound of a V8 engine roaring to life.
We’re passionate about classic cars at Munro & Associates—owning, restoring, and meticulously documenting every detail. Each teardown is treated as a preservation project, with photographs taken against clean white backgrounds, detailed notes on original specifications, and carefully cataloged part numbers. It’s a commitment to honoring automotive history and ensuring future generations have the resources to restore these iconic vehicles.
But let’s be real: when it comes to safety, performance, and structural integrity, classic cars simply can’t hold a candle to modern vehicles. That may be an unpopular opinion in the classic car community, but it’s the truth. Let’s see why.
Classic vs Modern: The Safety Crash Test That Changed Everything
You might have seen the video produced by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) where they pit a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air against a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu in a frontal crash test. The results were staggering. The classic car folded like a tin can, while the modern Malibu preserved the occupant space remarkably well.
This video made waves—and also sparked a ton of debate. Many classic car enthusiasts were quick to call foul, claiming the Bel Air was sabotaged or “rigged” to fail. They argued the engine and transmission had been removed, or that fender bolts were loosened to compromise the structure.
Let’s clear that up. First, GM didn’t conduct the test—IIHS did. And yes, the engine and transmission were in the vehicle during the test. You can see the car in person at the IIHS facility. It’s still on display today, and photos confirm the drivetrain was intact.
As for the fenders flying off during the crash—that’s simply how that design behaves. In X-frame vehicles from that era, there are no structural brackets inside the fenders; they function as essentially floating panels. The front clip is mounted to the core support and the body using rubber bushings, so upon impact, the components naturally shift and tear away. It’s not sabotage—it’s just 1950s engineering.
Classic Mistake: Heavier Metal Doesn’t Mean Stronger
Another myth we hear often is that classic cars are made of “real steel” and are therefore stronger than modern vehicles. It’s true that older cars often used thicker metal, but thickness alone doesn’t equate to strength.
Take a 1961 door panel, for instance. It’s made of an outer and inner metal skin, with nothing but hollow space in between. It measures about 0.9mm thick. A modern Kia EV9 door, by comparison, is 0.8mm thick on the outside, but packed with structural reinforcement: anti-intrusion beams, stampings, and internal substructures that create a cage of protection around occupants.
And let’s not forget material science has come a long way. That 0.9mm classic steel is more ductile—softer and easier to shape. Great for restoration work, but not so great in a crash. Modern materials are stronger, better engineered, and more resilient under stress.
The Safe Truth About “Plastic Cars”
Another complaint we hear: “modern cars are just plastic.” It’s often said with disdain, as though plastic is inherently inferior. But that’s missing the point.
Yes, plastic is used more frequently in newer vehicles, especially in interior trim and paneling. But it’s not just there for cost savings. Plastics are lighter, often safer, and allow for more complex designs. They can absorb impact, reduce injury risk, and improve fuel efficiency.
Compare that to a classic car door panel. Sure, it may have beautiful chrome and elegant styling, but pull it off and what do you find? Cardboard. Yes, actual cardboard used as a backing material. Functional? Barely. Safe? Not even close.
Meanwhile, modern plastic door panels are part of multi-component systems with energy-absorbing layers and structural design baked in. They’re designed to protect—not just decorate.
Loving the Past, Embracing the Future
To be clear, there’s a deep appreciation for classic cars—their style, craftsmanship, and nostalgic charm. But it’s also important to recognize what comes with driving one: a lack of airbags, crumple zones, safety cages, and advanced restraint systems. In the event of a serious crash, the risk is significantly higher compared to being in a modern vehicle.
That doesn’t make classic cars bad—it just makes them old. They reflect the best of what we knew at the time. But to suggest they were better built? That’s just not true.
At Munro & Associates, our work is all about pushing the industry forward. Whether it’s electric vehicles, lightweight materials, or advanced safety systems, we analyze the “how” and “why” behind every component—and we use that information to help manufacturers make better, safer, more efficient cars.
And yes, we still appreciate craftsmanship. We still value the importance of design and aesthetic. But we don’t cling to outdated myths. That kind of thinking holds us back.
Why This Matters
Some in the classic car community resist change. They talk about how leaded gas was better, how R-12 Freon cooled better, how carburetors had “soul.” But the reality is that leaded fuel poisoned people. R-12 destroyed the ozone. And carburetors, while charming, are less precise, less efficient, and harder to maintain than modern fuel injection.
Charles Kettering, the inventor behind many of these innovations, once said: “My interest is in the future, because I am going to spend the rest of my life there.” That’s a mindset we embrace at Munro. Learn from the past, but don’t live in it.
So next time your uncle at the family BBQ says, “They don’t build ‘em like they used to,” feel free to agree—and then explain why that’s actually a good thing.
Because at the end of the day, we could still build cars like we used to. But with all we know now… why would we?
Keep an eye out for more in-depth insights from the Munro Live team.