This paper presents results on the tensile testing of AZ31B-H24 magnesium alloy and 6111-T4 aluminium alloy at different strain rates. These materials are strong candidates for use in crashworthy automotive components and parts due to their well-balanced combination of strength, stiffness and density. To test their application in the auto industry an understanding of material behaviour at relevant strain rates is needed, as well as constitutive equations suitable for use in analytical and numerical calculations. Mechanical properties were determined from tensile tests using flat sheet samples, employing two different test techniques: a servo-hydraulic machine and a tensile-loading Hopkinson bar. The test results were used to compare different mechanical properties of the tested materials and to validate constitutive equations intended to provide a mathematical description of strain rate dependence. The Cowper-Symonds equation was examined.