CLSter

Are we the only country with smog controls? Japan's RSX puts out 220HP, BMW E36 M3's were faster, Lancer EVO will be coming to the states next year slightly slower, The new Pontiac GTO will be slightly less powerfull than it's twin brother Monero in Australia and then there's the VW and Civic Si with Euro spec power. What's the dealio?

AcuraTLSFan

Are the performace decrease due to emissions? Or are the performance decrease due to some other factor of the car? I would think Japan would have strict emissiong laws.

So are American Cars exported to Japan and Europe more powerful, due to more less emission laws?

Nashua_Night_Hawk

because Avergae Joe does not know how to drive... That is the fact!.... Just see how german kids needs to enroll in a driving school for 2 yrs and pay $2,000 to get their licenses... Not that 5 min written test and 10 road test....

Got it?

Bill Faure

This doesn't have anything to do with less HP, but we do have heavier cars due to safety requirements like 5mph impact bumpers. We also have intrusive insurance laws. A lot of manufacturers under rate their cars horepower so the "average joe" can afford insurance. A lot of times a purchase decision comes down to the insurance payments.

AcuraTLSFan

When buying a car, why don't they list the WHP instead? I know 260 HP looks more appealing and more competitive relative to other dealers...but we actually get 180-190 WHP.

Comment on the 5 MPH bumper test...isn't 5 mph just 5 mph no matter if you have 90 HP or 400 HP?

I don't know the true quantitatve number when you state "a lot of times". I don't think that the "average joe" decision comes down to insurance payments. Maybe if you are buying a kia or hyndai...but if 30, 40, 50K cars if they can afford that much, they can afford teh extra insurance premium.

How much HP decrease will result in a significant change in insurance premium? i don't think under rating a cars horsepower by 5 HP will save you $150. Acura TL-S has 260 HP and the Infiniti I35 have 255 HP, i don't think that Acura lowers it's HP rating so we consumer can save $$ on insurance (they don't give a $hit about our tranny problem, why should they care about our insurance). Acura has the extra 5 HP gain over the infiniti, this is a factor which will help them gain consumer sales over infiniti.

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Hold on...i just remembered y we have less HP rating . It's becuase those JDM engine all have higher compression ratios..why? It's becuase they use octane 98 japan while we are stuck with octane 92

BNut

The primary reasons are probably EPA regulations (which affects HP in two ways).

1) Lower octane gasoline means lower compression/boost engines.
2) Additional Cats which further reduce HP.

DOT safety regulations.

1) Car must pass 5mph without sustaining massive $$$ damages. (This makes OEM FMIC practically impossible)