A parametric study of the factors controlling static and dynamic denting, as well as local stiffness, has been made on simplified panels of different sizes, curvatures, thicknesses and strengths. Analyses have been performed using the finite element method to predict dent resistance and panel stiffness. A parametric approach is used with finite element models of simplified panels. Two sizes of panels with square plan dimensions and a wide range of curvatures are analysed for several combinations of material thickness and strength, all representative of auto-motive closure panels. Analysis was performed using the implicit finite element code, LS-NIKE, and the explicit dynamic code, LS-DYNA for the static and dynamic cases, respectively. Panel dent resistance and stiffness behaviour are shown to be complex phenomena and strongly interrelated. Factors favouring improved dent resistance include increased yield strength and panel thickness. Panel stiffness also increases with thickness and with higher curvatures but decreases with size and very low curvatures. Conditions for best dynamic and static dent performance are shown to be inherently in conflict ; that is, panels with low stiffness tend to perform well under impact loading but demonstrate inferior static dent performance. Stiffer panels are prone to larger dynamic dents due to higher contact forces but exhibit good static performance through increased resistance to oil canning.