Type 44/5000 safety rating

[Ben Swann]

OK - Listers, I'd appreciate some help with this one.  I had always been
under the impression that out Type 44's were rather safe.  Please help me
refute this.  I thought I saw some testimonials awhile back proclaiming
that in this very type of drivers side accident the occupants came out
miraculously unscathed, while the other vehicle disintegrated on impact, or
something to that effect.

I personally con't see how this can be knowing something of the
construction of these cars.  The only thing I can see is these safety
rating are making a comparison to the newer luxury cars with side impact
air bags, and even then, I question this rating.

Here is what happened - the potential buyer of my '87 5000 turbo quattro
avant backed out due to the following email:

Joe Buyer here.  I've run into a bit of a snag with my wife regarding the
purchase of your avant.  She's a firm believer in safety ratings and when
she looked up the stuff on the 87 5000's was not amused at their 1 star
drivers side rating in the 83-88 range.  Unless I can find something in
print somewhere to convince here otherwise I'm afraid I'm going to have to
pass on the car.

Sorry,

Joe Buyer

Name changed to protect the identity of the buyer.

Doesn't change my opinion of these cars, but this really bothers me, in
addition to not selling the car.

TIA,

Ben