USDM 2011, 2012 CR-Z roof strength difference

[human668]

USDM 2011, 2012 CR-Z roof strength difference

Roof strength evaluations: Small cars

Honda CR-Z
2012 models Rating:Good
curb weight: 2,682 lb Peak force: 15,883 lb Strength-to-weight ratio: 5.92

Honda CR-Z
2011 models Rating: Acceptable
curb weight: 2,665 lb Peak force: 10,343 lb Strength-to-weight ratio: 3.88

[ITEM9]

I'm curious as to how much this difference in roof strength translates to torsional rigidity. If it's significant, it might offset the additional 17lbs of weight in the roof. That would be hard to quantify though; maybe the only way to tell is a difference in lap times.

[Koala Yummies]

The increased rigidity may only have a safety benefit, as whatever was done was intended to resist crumpling/crushing, and not to increase chassis stiffness, like reinforcing rear wheel well arches would.

The downside is the extra weight is at the absolute worst area of the vehicle (the top/roof). The same reason many people building track-only vehicles opt for models without a sunroof/moonroof, more weight at the worst area of the car than the same model without the sunroof. Similar to how Honda didn't even have a factory sunroof option for the Type R models (if you see one, it's aftermarket). From a pure handling performance perspective, additional weight at the top of the car is the worst area for it.

Wasn't the only difference one star (4 stars rollover for 2011, 5 for 2012)? IIHS, Edmunds, Safecar.gov and Cars.com all have the same exact safety ratings however. No change between 2011 and 2012 models in the rating for overall safety, or rollover.