Third Coast Auto Group Official Blog
Why do some people want their cars to be loud?
By Product Expert | Posted in FAQs on Saturday, February 15th, 2020 at 9:12 pm
Reasons Behind Noisy Vehicles
For those not particularly automotively-inclined, it can be hard to understand why some individuals love having a vehicle that alerts the whole neighborhood to its presence wherever it goes. Why do some drivers seem to get such joy from specifically optimizing their vehicle to make noise? Why do some people like loud cars?
There are several main reasons why certain people like their cars to be loud: it gives them a thrill, they want to show off, there are slight performance increases, and it’s attention getting. Though we can’t account for every possible reason a human may enjoy a loud vehicle, as there are so many different types of individuals in the world, these seem to be the most common reasons. Let’s now focus our attention on each one with greater depth.
Of course, not every engine sound is equal. Some people may love the sound of a truly powerful engine like a Ferrari, but not enjoy that of an old and struggling “beater.”
A Thrilling Drive
For some, the sound of an engine equates to sportiness and power. The louder the sound, the greater the thrill. They know their vehicle is standing out. The engine noise also gives them something to play with and feel sporty even if they’re just driving through traffic. To achieve this, some individuals even attach a performance exhaust to a regular car.
Performance Boost
Those who make their car louder may commonly cite improved performance as their motivation. Removing a muffler can very slightly increase a vehicle’s horsepower by allowing greater levels of exhaust fumes to leave the engine in a free-flow style. No muffler is in place to hinder or provide resistance to the vehicle’s “exhale,” resulting in an optimal expulsion of energy.
In reality, the horsepower increase and corresponding performance boost is almost undetectably minute. On a racecar that is optimized in every possible fashion for performance, this is understandable. But on a standard vehicle it’s less defensible.
Optimized Shift Notification
Some other loudness aficionados claim that it provides better engine acoustics, letting them know the perfect moment to shift. While it’s true that this might come in handy at the track, it is not necessary for the vast majority of driving. In fact, cars are required by law to have enough engine noise present in the cabin to convey the necessary auditory cues.
Attention-Getting
The most common accusation leveled at car-noisers, especially by those who don’t particularly appreciate the sound, is that they’re doing it for attention. All us humans have mental needs to assert our egos (unless one is a fully enlightened Buddha), and people find different ways to give their ego the reassurance it needs. For some, this just means having a noisy vehicle.
