Detroit - Muscle cars may look cool, but they don't quite offer top-notch protection in a crash.
The Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger all fell short of achieving the highest ratings in new tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the US, although two of them came close. The institute, which is funded by insurers, tested 2016 models.
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The Mustang (which is the only one of the three sold in South Africa) earned the highest rating of ‘Good’ on four of the five tests, but didn't do as well on the small overlap test, where it scored acceptable. The latter test simulates what happens when a small portion of the car's front end hits a pole at 40 miles per hour (64.3km/h).
The Camaro did well on that test, also earning ‘Good’ on four of the five categories but only rated ‘Acceptable’ for roof strength.
The Challenger was the worst performer, with ‘Average’ ratings for roof strength, seat and headrest strength and it rated ‘Marginal’ in the small overlap test.
AP