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I cannot recall the source, but was interested to read a few years back about the small versus large (data back to mid-90's). For "large" the curve tapers off at 4,000-lbs and 120" of wheelbase (Dodge Charger size).
For all other vehicles, socio-economic data (including level of formal education) was as much a determinant of driver death rates as any other (think young, quite stupid, poor, and drives an older S-10 Chevy pickup versus masters degree, high income and drives a new Mercedes sedan). Hours of driving, road quality (even lighting) all play their part.This was harder to quantify, but was well-presented. Drunk driving data was also shown (not favoring the former group as would be expected). A fatal mistake is usually underlain by bad assumptions and wishful thinking.
Poor, stupid and slightly drunk in a junker mini-truck on dark, badly-maintained roads = bad mojo.
Another point to consider is where driver deaths occur, as in: intersections or with rollovers (which tends to eliminate pickups and SUV's from consideration as "safe").
So a nice light tippy old Jeep Wrangler with a lift kit and offroad tires is just the gift for the step-son you really can't stand.
The last item was in a vehicle sustaining multiple hits. This is where small cars really are deathtraps. Being bounced around and hit repeatedly is what bigger & heavier is better at.
Makes me think that a V6 Charger sedan is a fair choice as nominee, based as it is on the old Mercedes W123 (IIRC).
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