Most sports cars make fun sounds straight out of the box–or at least they do after a few exhaust mods–but what about everything else?
Are there non-sporting cars, like SUVs and minivans, that sound more aggressive than they have any right to be? Any that sound better than some spo…
Toyota Sienna 2GR V6 sounds pretty good on full boil.
I don't usually care for how VR6s sound and the performance benefits they have, but many people love them and they have appeared in many non performance models.
I haven't really heard it from outside, but DW's 2017 S60 sounds pretty good from the inside when you're on it, especially for a dinky 2.0 4 cylinder. Better than my 2019.
This did make me think of James may and the fiat panda
The Porsche Cayenne sounds amazing. The turbo models muffle the sound, but an S with the sports exhaust is stirring. Whenever I drive my sister's, I giggle every time I rev it.
My pick probably doesn't count: my son's Lexus LS400 has a great exhaust note. It is an old man's car so I'm throwing it in the ring..............disqualify it if you must.
In reply to Tom1200 :
I like my father in laws LS400 too. I hate the sound of a V6. I'm very happy my Colorado has a very good muffler.
In reply to aw614 :
Yup, my 3.6 VR6 has the best exhaust note going. I deleted the big center resonator but otherwise it's a stock exhaust system: two pre cats, two cats, two mufflers. It sounds way more exotic than a midsize wagon has any business being and people often ask me what it is because it's so distinctive.
In reply to Tom1200 :
I say it stays since I feel like early the early LS models had a focus on luxury over performance.
pinchvalve (Forum Supporter) said:The Porsche Cayenne sounds amazing. The turbo models muffle the sound, but an S with the sports exhaust is stirring. Whenever I drive my sister's, I giggle every time I rev it.
You should add an exhaust system to it.
This may get me thrown off the forum, but I am going to say Nissan VQ35. Now, I know the exhaust note on these engines are literally a meme fodder, but I've always loved V6's, probably my favorite engine configuration (suck it V8's, flat or cross plane crank). I think it's aftermarket exhausts that get the stick, but I like the sound of the stock engines when they rev. And I'll claim the Infinity G35 rather than Datsun 350Z to keep it 'non performance'.
I'm going to go back several decades. The 2.8L V6 from GM had a really cool snarl right from the factory. They put it in the Eurosport, and other non sports cars. My 86 Fiero has it, and I absolutely love the sound.
In reply to Adrian_Thompson (Forum Supporter) :
I'll stand by you on the VQ. I think it's just straight piping/cheap, poorly built exhaust systems that have ruined it for everyone.
Oh man, first the VQ35 gets mentioned, and then the GM 2.8??? Someone handing out asbestos underwear here lately?
I've actually heard a couple of VQ35's that did sound nice, in Infiniti G35's with aftermarket exhausts. Oddly every aftermarket exhaust I've heard on the 350Z sound meh, and many other VQ35's sound bad, but once in a while....
The 2.8, meanwhile, in my estimation has never sounded good ever like just about every V6 to make it out of GM.
A properly sorted VQ35 sounds fantastic, IMO. My G35 sedan was a great example.
The straight piped VQ35 next door though? berkeley that guy...
I always thought the Volvo 4.4L V8 found in the S80 and XC90 had a nice growl to it.
aw614 said:I don't usually care for how VR6s sound and the performance benefits they have, but many people love them and they have appeared in many non performance models.
This has a VR6. It is, at best, uninspiring. Maybe I should make some exhaust changes...
My classic Mini. Sounds hilarious from the driver's seat with all kinds of snorts and growls, and it sure doesn't meet any modern definition of performance :D
Anything with a Ford 302 in it. IMO one of the best sounding V8s ever.
Just show it a flowmaster or other aftermarket exhaust sticker and it sounds even better.
Then put that aftermarket exhaust on it. Ooof.
In reply to Keith Tanner :
My Datsun 1200 makes similar noises; it may have all the Nismo goodies but it's still an econobox.
Uncorked S600s have to be on the list. Rules is rules.
I read too many car magazines when I was a kid. I remember reading an article in a column when the writer was a kid and some straight piped MGB's pulled up in front of the store he was at and how intoxicating the sound was. It was so moving that I put a muffler on my 2001 Corolla first a super turbo then a straight through muffler to try and replicate the sound and the feeling. I feel like I succeeded. Definitely not a sports car but sounds great.
12v VR6 GTI
20b Mazda Cosmo
Chrysler 440 wedge
RB20 Nissan Skyline
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