API generated map is different from google generated map from address

Well, the subject sums it up.

for example...
I am generating a map from the API for an address, putting a marker on
that address.
I am feeding it a lat/long from another source. this marker is off a
just a little bit no problem.

When I view the same map at maps.google.com and enter the address, the
map I get there is drastically different, the streets around are the
same, but in one map there are streets that are shown, and in the other
they do not exist
same for the other way around.
so, map 1 has streets that map 2 does not have, and map 2 has streets
that map 1 does not have, ect ect.

I looked at other maps from other sites, cdroms, and I can see that the
maps from maps.google.com are very similar, if not the same maps as
other sites/cdrom maps, ect

So, why are maps generated using the google maps API different from all
others?

I am starting to see that the API maps do not appear to mesh.
I need to try this with several addresses, but the first one I mucked
around with happened to show this issue and its quite obvious.
The area im looking at is the Columbia, SC area.