The 1970s gave us unforgettable cars that were all about performance and style, but safety often took a back seat. If these classic rides hit the road today, they’d fail every crash test. Let’s take a look at 20 iconic cars from the era and see just how far vehicle safety has come since then.

Chevrolet Vega

Chevy’s Vega didn’t just cut costs—it also cut corners on safety. Thin steel panels, minimal crash protection, and a lack of modern safety features made it a risky ride. It was far from ideal in a collision due to a lack of airbags, poor structural integrity, and limited safety restraints.

Ford Pinto

What seemed like a practical and affordable choice at the time became a cautionary tale. Ford sparked controversy with the Pinto, a car infamous for exploding gas tanks in rear collisions. Now, it stands as a lesson in why design and safety must go hand in hand.

AMC Gremlin

Compact cars like the AMC Gremlin were trendy, but this quirky ride didn’t impress in crash tests. Its charm lay in its oddball design, not its ability to protect passengers. This car reminds us that fun styling isn’t enough to guarantee safety on today’s roads.

Fiat 128

Structural reinforcements weren’t a priority back then. Efficiency and charm put the Fiat 128 on the map, yet its lightweight build sacrificed passenger protection. For all its practicality, the Fiat 128 proves that safe engineering has made huge leaps since those days.

Datsun 510

Datsun’s 510 had speed and affordability nailed, but safety? Not so much. There were no airbags, and it relied on a thin frame that wouldn’t hold up in a serious crash. Today’s drivers would balk at these features, though the 510 still shines in vintage car collections.

Volkswagen Beetle

Although Volkswagen’s Beetle achieved cultural icon status, its safety features were notably lacking. It struggled with side-impact collisions due to its small size. Beloved by many, the Beetle’s design reminds us that nostalgia doesn’t always equal practicality on modern roads.

Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Muscle cars like the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am delivered raw power, but their focus on performance overshadowed safety. Prioritizing thrill over security, it had minimal crash protection and outdated restraints. Still, it’s hard to deny the lasting cool factor of this classic ride.

Triumph Spitfire

It lacked basic features like reinforced doors and crash protection. Thanks to its sporty design, driving the Triumph Spitfire felt exhilarating, but the experience came at a cost. This roadster lives on in collectors’ hearts but wouldn’t survive the scrutiny of modern safety tests.

Ford Mustang II

While fans admire its retro vibes, this car remains an example of style over safety. The Mustang II tried to modernize Ford’s iconic model. However, it didn’t bring safety up to speed. Weak structures and outdated safety tech made it less protective in crashes.

Chevrolet Chevelle SS

Few cars looked as bold as this one, but behind its aggressive stance lay serious safety flaws. It lacked crumple zones and modern restraints and put passengers at risk. Despite these shortcomings, the Chevelle symbolizes the glory of the 1970s muscle car.

Plymouth Road Runner

The Plymouth Road Runner remains a legendary muscle car, yet it also serves as a reminder that safety wasn’t a top priority back in the day. While it thrilled speed enthusiasts with its power, its safety features were lacking. Thin doors and minimal crash protection left little room for error.

Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

Despite offering luxury and comfort, Buick’s Cutlass Supreme would fall short of modern safety standards. Poor structural integrity and outdated seatbelt designs made it a risky ride. Today, this car appeals more to collectors than those prioritizing safety on the road.

Toyota Corolla (1970s)

The 1970s Toyota Corolla was known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, but its lightweight design prioritized mileage over crash performance. Its minimal safety features, like basic seatbelts and no airbags, made it struggle in collision tests. With time, the later models addressed these issues to ensure vehicle safety.

Chrysler Newport

In the 1970s, Chrysler Newports were large luxury sedans that prioritized comfort and style. However, they lacked key safety features such as airbags and crumple zones. Additionally, these cars had insufficient crash protection and a lack of reinforced safety structures, making them less safe in collisions.

Buick Riviera

Luxury came first in this ride and left safety as an afterthought. It lacked essential protections like airbags and side-impact reinforcements. Today, this elegant ride belongs in car shows, not on highways where rigorous safety standards reign supreme.

Honda Civic (1970s)

The lightweight build lacked the necessary reinforcements. Honda Civic’s early models were practical but left passengers unsafe in crashes. Over time, it transformed into one of the safest cars on the road, incorporating advanced airbags, anti-lock brakes, and reinforced frames. 

Lincoln Continental Mark IV

Though imposing, big cars like this one fell short when it came to safety measures. Outdated seatbelts and weak side-impact protection wouldn’t fly today. Fans of vintage luxury admire its comfort, but it’s better suited for nostalgia than modern driving.

Renault 5

As charming as it was, this car proves how essential safety advancements are for protecting drivers and passengers. Compact and stylish, the Renault 5 turned heads but didn’t do much for passenger safety. Its thin body and basic features left occupants vulnerable.

Dodge Charger

Speed and power defined the car, but safety took a back seat. Equipped with outdated restraints and limited crash protection, it didn’t provide the level of security that drivers expect today. Fans still love its aggressive design, though its safety shortcomings remain evident.

AMC Pacer

Futuristic in its design, this car lacked safety features. Its limited crash protection and fragile construction made it a risky choice. While its quirky style remains memorable, it highlights how significantly safety standards have evolved since the 1970s.