I remember seeing this 7 years ago when it 1st occurred. Not to downplay the seriousness of this incident but:
1. Ricky racers / street squirrels really put a bad light on the hobby
2. Poorly done "restorations" using cheap 3rd world parts / bolts (nod to Shaun's post above) or even improper rust repair look like this
3. Vehicles on old tires are a pet peeve of mine.
The obvious, as stated in the news report, is the Chevelle driver lost control being a street squirrel and was hit by the "modern" Malibu broadside at a high rate of speed:
"Multnomah County sheriff's deputies said the witnesses saw the Chevelle begin to fishtail, make a correction, then fishtail again, entering the oncoming lane and being hit broadside by the Malibu."
I will bet the rear tires on the SS were "old" and offered little traction. Anyone that drives a car like this with old tires (heat cycled to death from age or burnouts) and thinks it is "cool" because the rear tires break loose in 2nd or even third are fooling themselves.
As Sergeant Phil Esterhaus used to say on Hill Street Blues: "Hey, let's be careful out there."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jmg86CRBBtw