Quote:
Originally Posted by serialk11r
A heavier car absorbs more impact energy into the structure, and I imagine in side impact situations having the door give away more could be troublesome.
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Unfortunately, the data doesn't support your thinking. See the Wenzel & Ross paper, and particularly the differences between body-on-frame SUVs and unibody designs.
I also think you need to get over this fatalistic "I'm going to be hit by another car no matter what, so I'd best carry around a ton or two of armor to protect me" attitude. A good course on defensive driving weighs nothing, and will do more to protect you & your passengers than any amount of added mass.