don't get annoyed, i ran a search and didn't come up with a clear answer. the j-spec base model MT weighs 2888lbs (1310kg) and the us spec weighs about 120lbs more. does anyone know exactly why? thanks in advance.

 

federally-mandated safety equipment probably forms the bulk of that.

 

The Japanase page shows 1310�i1330�jfor the 6MT. Do not know what the bracketed number means as I can't read Japanese. Even then, the japanese car is lighter.

The Canadian spec is 1,394 kg (3073 lbs) for the automatic and 1,384 kg (3051 lbs) for the 6 speed. The Canadian model is 163 lbs heavier. The Canadian model does come pretty well loaded up with everything as standard equipment such as premium sound system and foglights but to name a couple. The only options I had on my Lighting Yellow GT were the moonroof and NAV which I am getting. Perhaps this explains the heavier Canadian car.

Or... Did they beef up the suspension for us heavier overweight bigger North Americans?

 

BINGO!

 

I believe the J spec weight is for the type S, which comes without the sunroof, side airbags, manual seats, and cloth trim.

 

I asked the same question (SP versus GT). No concrete answers, but it le dto an interesting discussion:
GT vs SP
I suspect that the weight difference is about 120 Lbs, like Rotary Soul suggested.