MrsLottaBallsCamaro

I am doing a project for my accounting class, and I have to compare keeping my 87 IROC or buying a 98 Z28. I am comparing the insurance, gas mileage, maintenance costs, and safety features. I know the safety equipment that the 98 has, like ABS, airbags, electronic traction control, etc, but what safety equipment, if any, does my car have? I couldn't think of anything.

Also, I have to give both cars a life expectancy in miles, given normal driving conditions, and regular maintenance. What life expectancy do yall think both these cars have (being objective). In reality, I plan on keeping the IROC forever and just fixing anything that ever breaks, but for the calculations, I have to give them both a life expectancy. Thanks so much for the help!

ede

should/could last forever if you keep repairing and replacing broken parts. comes down to a cost verse worth question. you should be able to fine hard facts nad stats about useful life of a car. you forgot safety glass, lap/sholder belts, bumpers, i'm sure the design of each car is such that it folds or gives way in a controled fashion.

MrsLottaBallsCamaro

Thanks. I hadn't thought about simple stuff like that

Morley

The "life" of a car depends on what you are willing to do to it when things go bad....engine, expect about 150,000-180,000 miles before its time to replace/rebuild and I'd expect about the same from the transmission. Note; this does not include frequent trips down the 1320.
Suspension systems need to be rebuilt too, not just shocks/struts, we're talking "A" arm bushings, sway bar bushings and end links, etc.

Each person is different, some will get rid of a car if anything goes wrong with the engine or trans, others will ditch it if the interior starts getting shabby and still others may dump it once it gets near 100,000 miles, figuring everything is about to let go at once.

darbleinad

dont forget some other basic safety stuff that have been in cars for years. things like collapsable steering columns, padded dashes, head rests (to help prevent whiplash)...things like that. even things like parking brakes and neutral safety switches are a type of safety feature.

Vader

I know Ede will get this one since he has a '68. I had a '67 and know the differences.

NHTSA lists as safety equipment:

Side marker lamps (1968);
Lap belts (1963);
Shoulder belts (1970);
Split/independent brake system (1966);
Seat back extension/head pad (1970);
Center high-mounted third brake lamp (1986);
Park lamps on with headlamps (1968);
Door lock/latch override (1974);
Energy absorbing bumpers (1973 and later revisions);
Energy absorbing steering column (1966);
Laminated tempered glass windshield (1949);
Tempered glass windows;
Outside rear view mirrors;
Recessed dash controls (1970);
Brake warning lamp (1966);
Padded dash panel (1970);
Secondary hood latch (1973);
Side door beams.

I know there are some repeated items from other posts, and some missing items, but that's what came off the top of my head.