Actually…if the engine was in the front, the guard rail might have crumbled against the block. Yes it’s a big piece of metal, but the block is MUCH stronger than the body of a car which is thin.
Might the engine have ended up on his legs from the impact? Possibly. Might it also have prevented the GR from slicing through the car? Possibly.
We’ll never know…but I see what Dread was saying.