I'm not certain about this, but I recall reading somewhere that European HP ratings differ from US ratings in that US ratings are based on rear wheel HP with all accessories running (i.e. this includes transmission losses, AC etc.).  European ratings might be right at the crankshaft without accessories, the way US ratings were done back in the '60s.  Also, I believe that some European countries like Germany and England have mandated pollution controls on cars that might actually be as tough as US standards, although this might only have taken effect over that last few years. Anyway, please correct me if I'm misinformed.
    Mark 
    
    
    Just wondering. With all this talk about underpowered Vanagons . What is the output of a typical American Vanagon. I have a European 87 Syncro that is standard and fast with 112 horses as the stated figure. Certainly the fastest van I have ever owned. Is it the Emissions regs and Catalytic Converters that keep your power down?    Dave Perry Norway 

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