Does the lack of an engine in front of the driver and passenger improve or diminish safety? On one hand, I'd think the engine could enter the cabin in a collision and cause damage to legs. But it could also absorb a lot of energy from the colliding car.

Is there any online material, perhaps directly from Porsche, on this subject?

 

How was it when you totalled a 993TT? It would be about the same.

 

This is standard crash data stuff. and front engines are designed to be pushed down in a bad crash so as not to hit your legs.
All cars that undergo saftey testing have designed "crumple" zones and have standards in structual strength regardless of front, mid, or rear engine placement.

 

These are from a head-on into a telephone pole from a number of years ago (not my car). The driver, and his two kids in the back seat, walked away and were fine.

 

Probably until they got home. If it was me, my wifey would have kicked my *** for driving into a pole with my kids in the car.

 

waiting for the preverbial "that'll buff right out" comment

 

That'll buff right out.

 

I love that line

 

Done thats the best line

 

Funny...

"Hey Honey- you're not gonna believe this, but a Telephone company truck ran into me pole first...."

A

 

I have a good idea, don’t crash. I will admit I’ve had my share of very small things when I was very young and first driving, scratches and scuffs. I like to say I’m not very good under 10mph. I like to say you get what you pay for, and that goes for safety, performance, looks, and all that other good stuff. The worst car produced in Germany today is still probably better then the best cars here in America. Think of that 911 into the pole, what if it was a mustang, or one of those Chrysler 300M rapper mobiles with big wheels. TÃœV, vs. uhhh, well largely unregulated DOT. I guess the point I’m making is that you’ll be fine in a 996. Do us a favor and don’t crash next time. Too bad it’s always the other guy!