geauxdeep,
Key of API pumps is Reliability. It supports more higher
working pressures (has an 300# flanges as standar),
more higher temperatures (due to the construction material
,high grade carbon steel or its centreline design in OH2 type that does not permit that thermal expansion reduces its aligment and life. API pumps could support extreme conditions you need it or not.
API pumps design is compromising to have 3 years of continue interrupted operation and at least 20 years of expected cycle life.
Key of ANSI pumps is Flexibility and standarization.
API Pumps 8th were design for Petroleum Refining Industry.
API Pumps 9th and 10th were design for Gas /Petroleum Refining and General Industry.
If you analize cost-effective API pump use, you may consider if pump has a main process application, if it is consider a critical production equipment.
Some parameters helps to identify why API pumps are more reliable. L10 of bearings, L3/d4 of shaft,maximum working pressure rates, construction material, maximum working temperature, barepump weight, impeller balance tolerances, quality control, rating flanges, maximum overall vibration expected.