Older vs New Cars Upgraded Armoring: What the Crash Tests Really Show
At Armormax, we’re obsessed with protection. It’s why we’ve spent decades engineering the most advanced armored vehicles on the planet. But to truly appreciate how far vehicle safety has come—and how older vs new cars with upgraded armoring compare—we need to take a trip back in time.
A viral crash test video from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) pits a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air against a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu in a head-on collision. The results are jaw-dropping—and they reveal a story of innovation that only gets stronger with the upgraded armoring solutions we offer at Armormax today.
Watch the crash test video: https://youtu.be/fPF4fBGNK0U?si=NM0kJxJowWLQVXL5
Historical Context: The IIHS Crash Test
In 2009, to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted a frontal offset crash test between a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air and a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. This test simulated a common accident scenario.
The 1959 Bel Air, known for its mid-century design, lacked basic modern safety features. It didn’t include airbags or standard seatbelts. Its rigid frame transferred crash energy directly to the passenger compartment. During the test, the front end collapsed dramatically. The engine and transmission intruded into the cabin, causing what would likely be fatal injuries. Reports from AutoWeek and MotorBiscuit describe how the Bel Air’s A-pillar and dashboard collapsed inward.
In contrast, the 2009 Malibu highlighted five decades of safety innovation. Crumple zones absorbed impact. Multiple airbags deployed. A reinforced safety cage protected the dummy. The Malibu’s passenger cabin stayed intact, clearly showing how newer vehicles protect occupants better. Forums like Yellow Bullet Forums emphasized how the Malibu proved modern engineering prioritizes protection over aesthetics.
In the video above, the gleaming 1959 Bel Air—famous for its vintage style—meets the 2009 Malibu in a 40 mph crash. The Bel Air folds like a deck of cards. The steering column spears into the driver’s seat, and the dummy experiences devastating force. Meanwhile, the Malibu’s safety systems kick in. Crumple zones absorb impact. Airbags deploy. The cabin holds together. The dummy survives the test.
Safety Has Evolved—But So Have the Threats
Modern cars offer more safety than ever before. However, the world brings new threats every day. Road rage, carjackings, and targeted attacks are now part of the modern driving experience. Standard safety helps reduce harm. Still, Armormax’s upgraded armoring brings protection to a whole new level.
Imagine that 2009 Malibu in the crash test had Armormax upgrades. Crumple zones and airbags would still function as intended. In addition, bullet-resistant glass and composite armor panels would defend against bullets, blasts, and ambushes. In today’s unpredictable world, our upgraded armoring turns a safe car into a secure one.
Armormax Upgrades: The Ultimate Protection
Picture this: a modern sedan like the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, with its built-in crash protection, reinforced further by Armormax’s upgrades. Crumple zones reduce impact. Our lightweight composite armor—10 times stronger than steel—adds bullet resistance and blast protection. Best of all, it adds minimal weight, keeping the vehicle agile and fuel-efficient.
We replace standard windows with bullet-resistant glass. We reinforce the body with military-grade steel or cutting-edge composites. Additionally, our experts say this armoring not only adds ballistic protection—it improves crash safety by dispersing impact forces. Armormax protection complements factory safety features perfectly.
Now think back to the 1959 Bel Air. Even with armor, its structure couldn’t handle that level of stress. That car’s old-school frame wasn’t made for modern protection. Armoring it would be like mounting a turret on a tricycle.
Modern vehicles, however, are ideal. They’re strong, smart & ready. Furthermore, they make the perfect canvas for Armormax upgrades. Whether you drive a luxury sedan, SUV, or tactical truck—we customize your protection to your needs.
The Lesson: Older vs New Cars Upgraded Armoring
That IIHS crash test isn’t just a video. It’s a wake-up call. In one corner: the 1959 Bel Air, built for beauty but not survival. In the other: the 2009 Malibu, engineered to save lives. The difference couldn’t be clearer.
The Bel Air’s structure collapsed. Its cabin crushed. Its dummy faced certain death. It showed what happens when style trumps safety. The Malibu, on the other hand, absorbed the crash and protected its occupant. Engineering and innovation saved the day.
However, crash tests only tell part of the story. The road holds more danger than just car crashes. Armed attacks. Explosions. Riots. The Malibu is safe—but not bulletproof.
That’s where Armormax comes in. We don’t settle for standard protection. Instead, we redefine it. When danger strikes—whether from a collision or a bullet—Armormax turns your vehicle into a fortress.
Our lightweight ballistic armor, our bullet-resistant glass, & reinforced frames. They create more than safety—they create confidence.
The Bel Air could never be this protected. The Malibu becomes a perfect starting point. With Armormax, your vehicle becomes more than a car. It becomes a shield. A sanctuary. A statement.
Safety isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you choose. And in the battle of older vs new cars, upgraded armoring always wins.
Ready to make your vehicle invincible?
Contact Armormax today. Because the only thing more shocking than that crash test video is realizing you don’t have to be the one in it.
