though you guys would enjoy this! I did.
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vicpick58
New member
Interesting, for a while the new Grand Cherokee (WK2) was my first choice when I was looking to replace my 04 WJ.
One of the things that I did NOT like was the independent rear suspension. You can see in the video that the rear wheels tuck under a little bit, kind of like the old Corvair did in a sharp turn.
I guess I made a better choice in the 4Runner with the solid rear axle.
On the other hand there are not all that many moose around here.
I would like to see the 4Runner in the same test.
One of the things that I did NOT like was the independent rear suspension. You can see in the video that the rear wheels tuck under a little bit, kind of like the old Corvair did in a sharp turn.
I guess I made a better choice in the 4Runner with the solid rear axle.
On the other hand there are not all that many moose around here.
I would like to see the 4Runner in the same test.
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KCcarguy
New member
Didn't the GX 460 fail a similar test with consumer reports? I've got to say this is a pretty stupid test. Swerving like that you could very likely end up in a head-on collision. How about applying the breaks???
I'd be curious how the new ML would perform since it's the same platform.
I'd be curious how the new ML would perform since it's the same platform.
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DannyLlama
Elite Member
Agreed... I often wonder if choosing the 4runner will result in a similar situation where the wife is trying to dodge a dead dog on the road or something to that effect.
More to the point > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj3jNdDIGeA
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"The first generation model's swing axle rear suspension, invented and patented by engineer Edmund Rumpler, offered a comfortable ride but raised safety concerns associated with the car's handling stability, and was replaced in 1965 with a fully independent rear suspension similar to the Corvette Sting Ray."
The other vehicles in that video that "passed" had independent rear suspension, right?
I would guess that a 5th Gen (especially without KDSS or XREAS or stiffer springs) would do no better.
vicpick58
New member
The main reason that I did not like the independent rear suspension had nothing to with handling, it was more because with the weight that I carry in the back it would squat out the rear wheels and wear the inside edge of the tires.
I know that some IRS systems are better than others at keeping the camber under control, but I notice a lot of vehicles on the road that are obviously carrying a load that have the rear wheels squatted out.
That tells me that in a negative load situation, like a sharp turn the rear wheels will camber in and run on the outer edge of the tires. Thus losing grip on the road.
You may be right about the T4R not doing any better in an emergency swerve, but at least the wheels stay vertical keeping more tread on the ground.
Bourbonator
New member
Having driven the xc90 extensively, I would never buy one for myself. It had a poorer turning radius than my old gf's honda civic. But I guess this is just another apples/oranges comparison anyway..
harper7
Senior Member
You need to teach her to only dodge moose !
I'll swerve for a human... and probably a moose...lol, but growing up in deer country in Pa. was taught early on that swerving will only kill you and save the deer. Best to just slam on the brakes and let the ABS do it's best.We have really good brakes!
Titanpat57
Senior Member
and I think all those additional safety items Toyota builds in would prevent the truck from going over
I can't think of the name, but it would be the system that won't let you do a donut in a snow filled parking lot
I can't think of the name, but it would be the system that won't let you do a donut in a snow filled parking lot
Some of the best advice around!! Whereas on a motorcycle, if it's more than you can eat in one sitting, best to go around it.
phillyd2
Senior Member
Pick your poison. I think I would almost rather plow into a brick wall than into a deer. At lease the wall has the common courtesy of not flying up the hood to impale you with its hooves.
I think in the original video they said that they were only going about 45 mph. Scary considering what would happen to any such vehicle if you need to do a quick swerve on the highway at 70 mph.
I think in the original video they said that they were only going about 45 mph. Scary considering what would happen to any such vehicle if you need to do a quick swerve on the highway at 70 mph.
KCcarguy
New member
You're kidding, right?
1engineer
Moderator
You are a nice guy. Please, if you ever have a choice between hitting a brick wall or a deer pick the deer. I do not want to visit a hospital or funeral home to see you. Also, don't ever swerve at 70 mph unless you are driving a race car while wearing a helmet and 5 point harness and other guys are doing the same while you go around a track.
Hit the brakes hard (or the deer easy) and you will be fine. Got it?
phillyd2
Senior Member
Only sort of kidding. But I did have to attend a friend's funeral some years ago who was killed hitting a deer. Up here it's actually a serious problem and they do unbelievable damage.
As for being on the highway, I agree but there are times when instinct overtakes the mind.
No good answers here, just posting random thoughts.
As for being on the highway, I agree but there are times when instinct overtakes the mind.
No good answers here, just posting random thoughts.
RyanC
New member
I'm not sure if one is generally better than the other but I'm going to second phillyd2 on this one - if I HAD to choose once I would go with the brick wall.
After working a few years on the ambulance up here in the mountains I've seen higher people damage (not necessarily vehicle damage) when colliding with big four legged animals than other collisions. Vehicles are just not designed to absorb a significant impact above the hood and through the windshield - unfortunately where a lot of deer and elk end up.
At least with the brick wall the forces of the impact are generally handled better by the way the cars are designed.
Now, all of that being said . . . I also have personal experience hitting a juvenile elk going 70 miles an hour on I70 in a 4th Gen a number of years ago. The car was totaled but the elk was flipped high enough that he just glanced off the windshield and didn't come through. Amazingly enough I walked away without a scratch - not even a seatbelt or airbag bruise.
