Cars have become MUCH safer over the past two decades.

The safest 1994 model was the Saab 9000, which recorded 25 fatalities per 1,000,000 registered vehicle years. More typical cars clocked in around 100, and the worst came in at 271.

In 2014 there are 11 different models with zero deaths. On the other end of the spectrum, the 2014 car with the absolutely highest fatality rate (the Hyundai Accent) would be respectably average in 1994, with right around 100 fatalities per million reg'd vehicle years.

If safety is a consideration, at all, then you're well served by modern cars. If safety is your only consideration, you're well served by almost any big German vehicle.