An update on the T.27 -- it does
very well in crash testing:
(click on image for link)
Having the driver in the center helps -- in an offset crash, the driver is better protected. In a full on crash, it is the same as in a conventionally located driving position. That is one of the reasons I put the driver in the center of my open source design, called CarBEN EV:
http://neilblanchard.blogspot.com/20...ct-part-3.html
Also, in a 1 car crash, having lower weight is better; all else being equal. So, the crumple zone is proportional to the weight.