Something we have here in the States is the requirement a vehicle sit at a certain height to assure a hopeful bumper to bumper collision, should it happen. Thus one reason why certain vehicles from other countries are outlawed from entry. I don't know what Europe's laws dictate, I would like to find out, but from the bus video, there is doubt on this end.
The thing with US bumper standards are these custom vehicles that are bagged or altered...I don't believe the insurers will pay out if this is determined, thus leaving you with the cost.

 

Todays cars are made to destroy the car (crumple zones) and save the occupants. That said, I prefer "The Duchess" (2003 Vanden Plas) in any accident with a newer vehicle. Their crumple zones will give way to my hard set frame, and I will drive away while they get towed away in most cases. (As can be seen by the many and varied videos showing impacts in the test crash scenarios.) Personally, I rather like the fact that Coventry kept the XJ40 base frame for so long

Driving at highway speeds into a parked 18 wheeler aside, the X308 series is sturdy and very well made. I am certain there are many different opinions, just as there are different cases without number, but arguments without specific proofs are like today's cars, they crumple without merit.

RandyS

 

Love watching the crash tests -- especially ones from the insurance institute. Had access to records years ago -- the overall record for the XJ was always good when looking at injuries. It's hard to take out some variables. My guess would be the XJ having very few roll over injuries. Pickup trucks and SUV's have outsized rollover -- off road (in a ditch) injuries ... they can't really separate them out. Frame cars also telegraph energy to the cabin .. not good.

If you watch the chevy crash the one with the the old and new sedan -- it's really amazing how the safety cage stays together.

When Ford redesigned for the introduction of the X300 .. The body shell was both stronger and easier to manufacturer (less panels and more robots).