Wire speed is a function of amps and amps are dependent upon wire diameter for any given wire speed.
The 200 amp rating on the i mig 200 is dependent upon wire diameter. For .030 wire, it doesn't get up to 200 amps. Allowing the unit to churn up to 400 ipm for say .035 wire...would result in the machine creating serious overcurrent issues with the unit. The i mig 205 puts out more typically. Measure max wire speed for 30 seconds for best accuracy and most convenience.
Compare to transformer MIGs...their numbers are theoretical too. Especially look at the duty cycle at which their units are rated. A 140 MIG is usually 15-20% duty cycle at 90 amps....Now how many think that you're going to get the fulll 140 amps for very long at max output? Better question, is how many machines actually get that high combined with true underload wirespeed and maximum wire diameter the unit allows?
Here's a really good chart I found that explains it and a whole lot more.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CDkQ FjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.airgas.com%2Fdocuments%2 Fpdf%2FMIGWire.pdf&ei=upPeUorQH4nQsATopIH4Ag&usg=A FQjCNE51TwCQFrwJlY9zwb_-psa9MXC-A&bvm=bv.59568121,d.cWc
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