In Japan a train is considered late if its a minute behind. – the bullet train was on average only 6 seconds late.  I think in the US, the train is on-time if its 30+ minutes late.  Riding on the train in Japan, I always marvel that there is a PA announcement where the conductor is apologizing for being a few seconds behind.

To test horse-power vs. punctuality and efficiency, the BBC Top Gear car show, in its always unique fashion, tests the Nissan GT-R by racing across Japan vs. the bullet train

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