On 04/06/2016 16:23, DerbyBorn wrote:
What is it that tends to define the typical specification of cars imported
into a particular country?


To some extent the local environment.

The USA has long straight roads. No need for good cornering and cruise
control is useful.

In the 50s, 60s the French had straight but very bumpy roads so they
made cars with good suspension which could handle the bumps. In the UK
the road surface was better but there are lots of corners, so we made
cars like the Mini which could corner very well.

Spanish lorries had a green light on the back to tell you when you could
overtake.

As roads have improved the need for these aspects has reduced.

Fuel has always been cheap in the USA and expensive in Europe, so
European cars have had better fuel consumption.

Air conditioning is much more important in the USA, than in the UK where
your really just need a heater most of the time.

--
Michael Chare