High speed, long distane, high MPG commuter?

[jamesqf]

You seem to be automatically assuming that the odds of being injured in a T-bone accident are going to be lower in a big car. As has been pointed out ad nauseum, here and elsewhere, that ain't necessarily so.

[Meph]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

I see. Should all the Civics and Mirages that aren't new be scrapped now? How about that nice 240Z deathtrap?

240z deathtrap! oh no maybe I need to work on installing a roll cage this winter *knock on wood*

[robertwb70]

I'm sure us Geo Metro drivers should be the most fearful commuters in the world People that ride motorcycles think we're crazier than they are

[ecofreak]

You'd probably regret a change to a larger car. There's been worse accidents when larger cars are hit by other cars, and the occupants die because of a roll or the lack of sliding/skidding to pool some of the energy of the crash. You'd be better off, probably safer, in a smaller economical car like the Civic.

The best way to avoid side collisions is to never trust a green light. Always wait a few seconds to check if anyone's having trouble stopping their car or is oblivious to the red light.

[RobertSmalls]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the obvious two seat, high speed, high fuel economy commuter: the first-gen Honda Insight. The Insight is ideal for that task, and it's a really fun car to own. It gets a four star front impact safety rating, same as the '96-'00 Civic. Side impact: not tested.

Patrick's suggestion is the only other reasonable choice, and the only choice if you need side airbags. The Prius has a 17% aerodynamic penalty versus the Insight, but the Prius' engine is probably a little more efficient once you get above 65mph.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the obvious two seat, high speed, high fuel economy commuter: the first-gen Honda Insight.

Because he wanted a high-speed commuter car, and the Insight's fuel economy drops quite dramatically above 70 mph or so. You'd be hard pressed to get even 50 mpg in the 80+ mph speed range.

PS: Notice how one's frame of reference can change? After a few years of Insight driving, I think of 50 mpg as lousy mileage :-)

[SentraSE-R]

Show me any car whose mpg doesn't drop dramatically above 70 mph. I won't participate in recommending a car for the OP, who insists on violating the law by speeding and consciously wasting gas needlessly.

But if his GF's accident forces a rethink into driving slower (i.e. safer), then some real FE options become available, and they're all a lot safer.

[bestclimb]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

I see. Should all the Civics and Mirages that aren't new be scrapped now? How about that nice 240Z deathtrap?

Not in the least, I roll in an older civic (in a place where the average vehicle on the road is a 3/4 ton truck) and would not think twice about getting into an earlier generation civic (or similar). I do know however than when I get into a newer car that has been engendered to higher crash survivability standards that I am safer.

[Frank Lee]

People lack logic and I hate 'em.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by ecofreak

You'd be better off, probably safer, in a smaller economical car like the Civic.

Generaly, you're better of in a more recent car - it'll have far more safety features and better crumpling zones.
The result is that new small cars, are still safer than bigger but older cars.

A small and old car is not exactly the best of rides to be in when you're about to crash.