What Is The Difference Between RMS and Peak Power?
The RMS rating is determined but what the amplifiers, or CD players can produces and speakers and subwoofers can handle continuously under normal everyday use. I believe that the RMS rating is the most important when looking at any car stereo equipment, because it tell you what you can expect consistently from your equipment. The higher the RMS rating the cleaner and louder the sounds will be.
The Peak power rating is what the amplifier and CD player can produce and the speaker and subwoofers can handle during short burst of music. You can not and expect your car audio equipment to handle this kind of stress and power at all times.