US VS European Spec

ive actually done the opposite of you..
I bought a Euro spec 1997 GTB.. that was sold new at a dealer in Germany.
it made its way into the USA in 2001, and then made its way into Canada in 2012.
I bought it Sept 2014.

I am not 100% certain.. but I beleive the fuel trim programmed in the ECU of the Euro Vs USA spec cars are a little different..given the different types of fuels in each region..
this is why there are different part#'s for the engine ECU's on Ricambi depending on the region of car.


I fill my car up on either 91 or 94 Octane here in Montreal. Only PetroCanada offers 94.
no noticeable difference in terms of power with 94.. but it offers a little better mileage.

in terms of actualy engine power.. I dont think there is a difference other then from 95 cars to 1996+. which I beleive 95's have like ~5hp more.

however exhaust system on Euro cars are different..
there are only 2 thermo couplers and 2 cat ECU's.
USA cars have a 3rd of each at the bypass valve.
this offers a small maintance advantage for Euro cars.

the only other differences im aware of are a few little body cosmetics and thats it.

 

From what I can tell it's really a matter of the safety features installed on the cars, I don't know exactly what was required on a euro car imported to the states but a few items are mph speedo, the ugly running turn signal lights added to the bumpers, day time running lights and side impact door beams.


Otherwise according to the national highway transportation safety administration someone can Import a 1995-1999 Ferrain355 under specific rules because the euro built cars are very similar to a car built for use in the USA.

Over all they are almost identical vehicles so it's no problem importing them, they just have to go through the paper work to be legal.


I always heard the euro cars are better (308 section) but I really don't know if it matters or if you would feel the difference driving a us vs a euro built car.

 

The euro cars have a stronger accent so for canada the usa cars are better. Unless you are from quebec.