(firefighter here) simple answer: Yes. A lot.

why?

• The structure is much more stable and deforms pretty much less in an accident (for example, cutting the struts of an old car takes 2-3 secs, a modern BMW about 15 secs).
• Airbags. A lot more, also on the side etc.
• Belt-release system that doesn't block completely and therefore decelerates you slower.

From my own experience as a firefighter (in the road rescue squad), this seems to be the main differences. Accidents still happen and car crumbles, but there is a huge difference between old and new cars (as well as cheap and "expensive" ones).
This were only the "damage-reduction" systems. I have not mentioned all the automatic brake systems, ABS etc which help to prevent accidents

Just watch some videos of car-crash tests. You will see the difference;)
If you are after more detailed answers, please read the other answers or ask in the comment

in response to the original question: "are modern cars safer then classic cars"

(firefighter here) simple answer: Yes. A lot.

why?

• The structure is much more stable and deforms pretty much less in an accident (for example, cutting the struts of an old car takes 2-3 secs, a modern BMW about 15 secs).
• Airbags. A lot more, also on the side etc.
• Belt-release system that doesn't block completely and therefore decelerates you slower.

From my own experience as a firefighter (in the road rescue squad), this seems to be the main differences. Accidents still happen and car crumbles, but there is a huge difference between old and new cars (as well as cheap and "expensive" ones).
This were only the "damage-reduction" systems. I have not mentioned all the automatic brake systems, ABS etc which help to prevent accidents

Just watch some videos of car-crash tests. You will see the difference;)
If you are after more detailed answers, please read the other answers or ask in the comment

(firefighter here): Yes. A lot.

why?

• The structure is much more stable and deforms pretty much less in an accident (for example, cutting the struts of an old car takes 2-3 secs, a modern BMW about 15 secs).
• Airbags. A lot more, also on the side etc.
• Belt-release system that doesn't block completely and therefore decelerates you slower.

From my own experience as a firefighter (in the road rescue squad), this seems to be the main differences. Accidents still happen and car crumbles, but there is a huge difference between old and new cars (as well as cheap and "expensive" ones).

Just watch some videos of car-crash tests. You will see the difference;)

(firefighter here) simple answer: Yes. A lot.

why?

• The structure is much more stable and deforms pretty much less in an accident (for example, cutting the struts of an old car takes 2-3 secs, a modern BMW about 15 secs).
• Airbags. A lot more, also on the side etc.
• Belt-release system that doesn't block completely and therefore decelerates you slower.

From my own experience as a firefighter (in the road rescue squad), this seems to be the main differences. Accidents still happen and car crumbles, but there is a huge difference between old and new cars (as well as cheap and "expensive" ones).
This were only the "damage-reduction" systems. I have not mentioned all the automatic brake systems, ABS etc which help to prevent accidents

Just watch some videos of car-crash tests. You will see the difference;)
If you are after more detailed answers, please read the other answers or ask in the comment