A while ago, we presented a complete guide depicting the difference between GCC and other vehicles. However, since most used cars purchased are either GCC or American, we provide complete knowledge of the nuances of each.
HOW TO RECOGNISE GCC AND AMERICAN SPEC CARS
It’s not as frantic as some may think to distinguish between GCC and American makes and models. There are some instant giveaways such as the inscription on the wing mirrors. If the text is mentioned in Arabic, it is safe to reckon that the car meets GCC specifications and has been tailored to conform to the environmental and climatic idiosyncrasies in the region. If the writing is in English, it means that the car has been exported from American countries.
Second telltale sign would be the speedometer and odometer readings. If these are mentioned in miles per hour (mph) and miles respectively, the car is taken to be an American spec as the UAE yardsticks require GCC vehicles to display the readings in Kilometer per hour (Km/h) and Km, respectively. This distinction is easier to recognize in cars with analog instrument clusters than in ones with digital readings as the unit of speed and distance can be changed.
Still, finding it difficult to perceive the discrepancies? The most reliable way to figure out if a car has been customized to meet the GCC regulations is by taking a sneak peek at the sticker visible once the driver's door is opened. It has been mandated for the manufacturers to provide the label with the car name and chassis number in Arabic. However, if this is mentioned in English, it refers to the car being manufactured to American standards.
It’s likely that you would have gazed at the sticker on the car’s sun visor while protecting yourself from the heat. Writing here too, should be in Arabic.
STRUCTURAL AND MECHANICAL DIFFERENCES
Apart from distinctions that are perfectly perused by the naked eye, there are certain structural overhauls and mechanical rejigs between American and GCC-spec cars. These are:
- FILTRATION SYSTEM
To provide better resistance to UAE’s scorching heat and dust, the cars come laden with a better filtration system to abate particles that can potentially dampen the car’s engine life. However, such filters might not be prevalent in cars that were designed for other nations as the climatic milieu would be drastically different. Hence, when on the lookout for a used car in the UAE, it is better to spend some additional money and purchase a GCC vehicle than saving a few thousand on your capital expenditure only to lament about its conundrums in the future.
- PROTECTION FROM RUST
The UAE is typically a region characterized by a hot and humid climate. This translates into greater abrasion for body paint, panels, and parts. To protect from rust, manufacturers have been given the admonition to provide additional coating for rust-sensitive parts and paints so that the car functions without any hassles for a longer period of time and appears new, even after a few years.
- Air Conditioning
A car might appear striking, have all modern creature comforts, and be fuel efficient, and still may not sell to the best of its caliber. This is because it may be suffering from a dismal air conditioning system. In a region where the average temperature soars to 46°C, it is a Sisyphean task for the AC to keep the cabin cool and occupants comfortable. Hence, most manufacturers are paying special heed to tweaking the climate control system so that an acceptable gamut of temperature is maintained and the cabin is kept cool. Revamps such as a larger compressor and air throw are made.
OTHER DIFFERENCES
We have already delved into the structural and mechanical overhauls made to GCC spec cars. However, there are certain differences with regards to features and powertrain options, where American cars tend to leapfrog their GCC alternatives.
In entry-level models, it is found that the GCC models tend to skimp on many features such as climate control, rear AC vents, seat ventilation, advanced driver assistance tech, push-button start stop and keyless entry and some others. However, many of these electronic nannies are found on their American versions.
With regards to powertrain options, GCC models only get the less powerful engine and transmission combinations as opposed to their American counterparts. Many times, the option of having turbocharged powertrains and rapidly shifting dual-clutch transmissions aren’t ticked in the continuum of the package that would be retailed in the UAE.
Despite these limitations, there are logical reasons to opt GCC cars instead of American models such as service from a certified distributor, better resale value and relatively longer life span of the vehicle as it will be able to better adjust to the conditions thrown.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):
Q: Which cars have a wide price difference between GCC and American specifications?
A: The more expensive a model, the wider the price range between its GCC and American derivative. It has been observed that cars such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Lexus LS have considerable price differences between GCC and American specifications as these have a high snob value. Dealers lure customers to purchase American specifications of these models at a much lower price so that they can attain prestige value and dealers can get rid of their stock faster if there are mechanical faults linked with the cars.
