that is ignorant push. the elise is so light because it has no a/c, no radio, no interiour covers or carpets, no backseat. lots of stuff is made from aluminum and is aluminum frame work. that is the stiffest frame you can get for reasonable money btw. that car is not being build since 2 years, in contrary there is so much experience through years that reflects in that baby. the mini weighs much miore as there is more stuff in it. take that stuff out, like radio, backseat, a/c, all that unneeded interiour decoration...etc. would that make the car less safe? no, but much more lighter!
it is developped from racing, and that is where great cars come from. if i want something safe i buy a tank.
you are right, there are cars outthere that are saver, but that is not the point with this car.