What are the advantages of mid and rear engine cars vs front-engine cars?

Their weight is more evenly distributed, making them less prone to oversteer as compared to RWD rear-engine cars, and less prone to understeer as compared to FWD front-engine vehicles. The low center of gravity in a mid-engine vehicle still beats them out, though.

What makes a car safer in a crash?

A bigger, heavier vehicle provides better crash protection than a smaller, lighter one, assuming no other differences. The longer distance from the front of vehicle to the occupant compartment in larger vehicles offers better protection in frontal crashes.

Where does the engine go in a crash?

The idea is that in the event of a frontal collision the engine will be forced underneath the cabin rather than into it. The engine doesn’t literally drop, the chassis is designed so that when the front of the car squishes the engine will go downward instead of backward.

Are midsize cars safer than compact?

A driver is up to twice as likely to die in a small car as in a midsize, just one step up the size scale, according to IIHS data. A 2003 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report showed similar results.

What’s the difference between mid-engine and rear engine?

To be labelled a mid-engined car, a vehicle must have its entire engine located behind the front axle but ahead of the rear axle. If any portion falls over either axle, it is described as front or rear-engined.

Can a rear end collision cause frame damage?

Unfortunately, rear-end collisions often result in frame damage, which can put stress on the suspension system of the vehicle and cause the shocks, struts and other parts to wear out faster.

What happens when a car hits a wall?

If this vehicle collided with a concrete wall, it would deform, transferring some of its kinetic energy into the concrete molecules. Depending on the relative mass and anchorage of the wall, this may cause it to shift. It would certainly make some of the concrete molecules lose adhesion, forming cracks and dust.