Car Audio Central - Ultimate Car Audio Forum and Community

Aside from stricter rules, European cars are designed with high speed usage in mind. They handle better and the powertrain is smoother at the top end. They're also tiny and to us would be too uncomfortable, so pick your poison.

Our cars are designed with a crappy driver in mind, and comfort and convenience. Massive understeer, highly assisted steering, front wheel drive, and many more things equate to poor handling characteristics.

Actually the biggest difference between our cars and european models is our own government regulations. Get your ecu recalibrated and you'd be amazed at the driving difference.

Main difference is where the powerband lies, though. Lots of European cars are designed with super high RPMs in mind, many with a 9,000 rpm redline. Doesn't necessarily make them better, just a different driving style.