Why does US MB C320 have smaller load capacity than German MB C320?



[Consumer Reports New Car Buying Guide 2003-2004]


2002 Audi A4 3.0 sedan AWD, 3.0 liter V6, 6-speed automatic
Max. load, lb.: 1145
Cub weight, lb.: 3745

2001 Mercedes C320 sedan, 3.2-liter V6, 5 speed automatic
Max. load, lb.: 865
Cub weight, lb.: 3445



[in Germany]

Audi A4 3.0 tiptronic quattro
Max. load, lb.: 1214 (2105kg - 1555kg = 550kg)
Cub weight, lb.: 3433 (1555kg)
(http://www.audi.com/de/de/neuwagen/a4/limousine/details/technische_daten.jsp)

Mercedes C320 Limousine
Max. load, lb.: 1060 (480kg)
Cub weight, lb.: 3455 (1565kg)
(http://www.mercedes-benz.de/mbd/tg03/0,3408,C28S_5_2BD,00.html?)




[difference of Max load (German spec - US spec)]

Audi A4

1214 - 1145 = 69.

Mercedes C320

1060 - 865 = 195.



ps

I do not think it is the auto/manual matter. I guess mercedes-benz.de site give seperate data for auto and manual, if there are separate data. For example, [Schaltgetriebe / Automatikgetriebe]
http://www.mercedes-benz.de/mbd/tg03/0,3408,C28S_5_1BD,00.html?