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