Is that new Honda or Toyota less powerful than last years model? Well, yes, and no. The engines in the new models don't make any less power than last year's engines, even though the numbers on the specification page are lower. Its just that the Asians have been caught playing the loopholes in the standards, putting in premium gas for horsepower testing while rating annual fuel cost based on regular, tweaking engine controls to non-standard settings, and turning off accessories.
Meanwhile, Honda is proposing a new "Effective Horsepower" rating system. "We intended our horsepower ratings to simulate effective horsepower when the vehicles are five years old. Our vehicles lose an average of 46 pounds by that age, meaning better performance" said Honda spokesman Kor Oshon.
Toyota, however, is a hesitant supporter, saying Honda's version of Effective Horsepower penalizes it. Studies show that at age five, the average Toyota loses only 32 pounds due to rust.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi wants an adjustment for the lower weight of its cars due to parts that fall off within five years. But Nissan wants no part of the Effective Horsepower program, claiming rust is a localized problem, only occurring in the snow belt, near ocean areas, and in places where it rains.
None of the GM and Ford engines that have been tested have shown power losses. Some have shown power gains. For those who critcize Detroit for being stupid, one thing is clear: at least they're smart enough not to lie.