The difference between American and European cars
The demands of the US and European markets are different, which means the cars sold there will be different. On some models, these differences are almost imperceptible, but for example, the 2017 Toyota Camry in the US version has a different shape of headlights and bumper compared to the European version. Unless you’re looking at a specific model, there are a few basic differences typical of all autos.
Headlights
This is the most noticeable and widespread difference and is due to different road safety requirements. Euro models have headlights designed and tuned to illuminate the centre and kerb on the right side of the car, while the beam of light is smaller on the left side so as not to blind oncoming drivers. American headlights are symmetrical, aiming to illuminate the front of the car, while the visibility of the kerb is slightly worse. American parking lights are yellow instead of white, and rear turn signals are red instead of orange. Also on the overseas car there may be no front turn signals and rear PTF, while in the European version they are present.
Body parts
The appearance of the cars and their design may not be much different, but they will differ. In the already mentioned Toyota Camry 2017, the front of the car looks completely different: bumper, radiator grille, headlights, fog lights and side lights. The UK Mustang does not have air intakes on the hood, but the US model has them, which makes the car look more sporty, and the shape of the side mirrors is also different. With a similar appearance, the locations of the mounting holes or the size of the bolts may not match, this adds problems when selecting spare parts.
Instrument panel and electronics
Speedometer, temperature gauge and mileage in US cars are displayed in miles and degrees Fahrenheit, and fuel consumption is measured in gallons, and these parameters can not always be reprogrammed to European standards. The built-in radio in the American model catches only odd waves, so you can’t listen to the radio when travelling in Europe. The software of engine control units and other systems differs, and the American car cannot be read correctly on the European equipment due to incompatibility, it concerns also official service stations.
Equipment
Americans love comfort, so their cars must have air conditioning, cup holders and power windows. The interior is usually decorated with cheaper plastic and textiles, although for the most part this applies to mass-produced cars. In Europe, more emphasis is placed on safety, so the car will most likely not have cup holders, but will have a large number of airbags. Moreover, for the same model, the European buyer will have a much larger selection of different configuration options than in America.
Conclusions
There are cars that are designed strictly for a certain region, like the American Ford F-150, Chevrolet Suburban or Toyota Tundra. If in America these are ordinary cars, on our roads they look unusual and prestigious.
If you want to buy a car from the USA, first carefully check its differences with the European version on the compatibility of spare parts, because all the benefit of the purchase can be lost on expensive maintenance.