What were the worst US spec changes made to cars?

"My citroen won't start" (lucasboechat) 09/15/2014 at 19:53 • Filed to: None

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Thanks to some ridiculous laws, many beautiful and beloved cars suffered changes in order to be commercialized in the land of freedom. What do you think were the worst results from these laws?

For me, the park bench rear bumper on the Maserati Merak takes the prize.

Sweet Trav > My citroen won't start 09/15/2014 at 19:55

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jkm7680 > My citroen won't start 09/15/2014 at 19:56

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Massive impact bumpers. That is all.

My citroen won't start > jkm7680 09/15/2014 at 19:57

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Play along. Pick your favorite(?)!

Textured Soy Protein > My citroen won't start 09/15/2014 at 19:58

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The two worst offenders, by far, were in service of minimum front bumper height requirements.

#1. The front wing on the Lamborghini Countach

#2. The bumper extensions installed by Ameritech when they federalized the McLaren F1 (and the ugly rectangular headlights that replaced the original round ones)

Battery Tender Unnecessary > My citroen won't start 09/15/2014 at 19:59

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Hands down, the changes made to the E36 M3 when they brought it to the US.

Crap engine compared to Euro, cheaper/heavier parts, weaker rear end, etc.

More of a half step between the 328 and Euro M3.

dogisbadob > My citroen won't start 09/15/2014 at 20:00

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good to sit on for a nice picnic though

Carl (@stuffcarlsays) > My citroen won't start 09/15/2014 at 20:01

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Non E-Code headlights... Notably on the Saab 900. Eurospec looked, worked and aged better.

dogisbadob > My citroen won't start 09/15/2014 at 20:01

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The Citroen SM front end headlight shit

We REALLY need to sign up for the UNECE standards. Don't the automakers realize this would actually cost them *less* ? Since they only have to make one car instead of two.

jkm7680 > My citroen won't start 09/15/2014 at 20:02

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Hmmmm, Let's see. I'll have to go with the Porsche 911 of that period, Because Porsche cancels all safety ugliness .

T5Killer > dogisbadob 09/15/2014 at 20:04

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Its not the automakers. Its the Lawmakers in the US mostly the DOT.

Boxer_4 > dogisbadob 09/15/2014 at 20:06

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The DS suffered as well.

My citroen won't start > Battery Tender Unnecessary 09/15/2014 at 20:06

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Now I finally understand why US market E36's go for a LOT cheaper than Euro E36's here!

My citroen won't start > Textured Soy Protein 09/15/2014 at 20:07

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Good god it looks like the F1 was stung by a bee.

McMike > My citroen won't start 09/15/2014 at 20:07

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Most of the "first" ones were bad. Bumpers, passive restraints (moving shoulder belts) emissions, and the like.

They all get better, but man.. those first ones.. Ugh

Alex from Toronto > Boxer_4 09/15/2014 at 20:10

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It's not that bad

My citroen won't start > Sweet Trav 09/15/2014 at 20:11

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It's good for Pikes Peaks now, I guess.

My citroen won't start > Carl (@stuffcarlsays) 09/15/2014 at 20:12

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They ruined the Mercs also.

Boxer_4 > Alex from Toronto 09/15/2014 at 20:13

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It isn't the worst, but it did ruin the streamline look that Citroen was going for.

Dubblewhopper > My citroen won't start 09/15/2014 at 20:13

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My 1977 Z is a prime example, with those 5 mph "accordion" front and rear bumpers.

Camry-Into-Canyon > My citroen won't start 09/15/2014 at 20:13

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Alex from Toronto > Boxer_4 09/15/2014 at 20:14

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oh for sure

My citroen won't start > Camry-Into-Canyon 09/15/2014 at 20:16

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Man that Volvo, it looks just sad.

T5Killer > Camry-Into-Canyon 09/15/2014 at 20:18

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What is the difference with the Audi TT?

Camry-Into-Canyon > T5Killer 09/15/2014 at 20:22

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look at the rear bumper, just below the license plate.

Steve in Manhattan > My citroen won't start 09/15/2014 at 20:23

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5 MPH bumpers not an issue for me. Design around them. They are, on balance, a good idea.

The issue for me is the rules that make it so expensive for manufacturers to offer their entire engine/transmission range in this country. Imagine getting to choose from 5 or 6 engines and 3 or 4 transmissions for, say, the 3 series. As I've said many times - let me spec a car with a small 6, a 5 speed, crank windows, and cloth interior. Don't want satnav, power seats, heated seats, traction control, heavy stuff. And what if I wanted steel wheels and hubcaps? Can't get 'em.

I know a lot of this stuff isn't prohibited - a lot isn't presumed to be things Americans want, and some isn't even offered by manufacturers anyone. Give me the modern form of the '76 BMW 2002 (best car I've ever driven). I want A/C and a cheap stereo system. Give me a lot of airbags and ABS. And that's it.

T5Killer > Camry-Into-Canyon 09/15/2014 at 20:24

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Ewwwwwe I have never noticed that.

Camry-Into-Canyon > T5Killer 09/15/2014 at 20:25

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Sadly, it doesn't quite count. Canada only.

T5Killer > Camry-Into-Canyon 09/15/2014 at 20:27

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Oh that is why I never noticed it. I am 1000+ miles to the Canadian border.

dogisbadob > T5Killer 09/15/2014 at 20:39

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which are in turn lobbied by the automakers. We have a privatized corporatist government :(

Carl (@stuffcarlsays) > My citroen won't start 09/15/2014 at 20:57

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Fact.

Camry-Into-Canyon > My citroen won't start 09/16/2014 at 14:28

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>240: so you mean I can get into the u.s market?

>uncle sam: One Exception: you have to wear those silly sealed-beam lights that everything else has.

>240: [permanent sad face]

James Mackintosh > My citroen won't start 09/17/2014 at 07:32

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I'd say it was the E36 M3 losing 5 of it's 6 throttle bodies.

Svend > Camry-Into-Canyon 09/17/2014 at 15:32

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Reminds me of Her Majesty's moustache regulations for military personnel.