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The same vehicle (same drivetrain etc.) will be rated for two very different towing capacities in the U.S. vs. Europe, with the European one being quite a bit h

The same vehicle (same drivetrain etc.) will be rated for two very different towing capacities in the U.S. vs. Europe, with the European one being quite a bit higher. E.g., Volvo XC40 T5 is 1600 kg in the U.S. https://www.volvocars.com/en-ca/support/car/xc40/21w22/article/dcc4aa48b45de36ac0a801514bc9cca1?search=towing&page=0 https://www.volvocars.com/en-ca/support/car/xc40/21w22/artic... but 2100 kg in the UK https://www.volvocars.com/uk/support/car/xc40/21w46/article/0c10bf9ad4c7c90cc0a801510ad2549e https://www.volvocars.com/uk/support/car/xc40/21w46/article/... As I recall it has to do with standards for stability at speed... All to say you can probably tow more than you think with a U.S. car that's also sold in Europe, just maybe don't go above 55mph...?

jcgrillo 2y ago
Yes, the 80 series I drive (and am working on a EPA-illegal turbo 1HZ conversion for) was rated for 3500kg (7700lbs) everywhere except the US where it was only rated for 5000lbs (2260kg). And they make you (or the dealer back in the day) install an aftermarket tow bar instead of using the factory crossmember. Totally arbitrary nonsense, nothing to do with safety or mechanical capabilities. The only saving grace here is (a) the EPA doesn't actually enforce rules against diesel swaps, and most states tolerate it--some will even give you a new VIN! (b) nobody (law enforcement) cares about GVWR unless you're operating commercially or doing something obviously unhinged.
- NoImmatureAdHom 2y ago
  Well, sounds like a fun project! Good luck.