20 Cars That Are Worth Buying Just for the Sound They Make
When the Engine Is the Best Part
Some cars are worth buying for their looks, others for their performance, and a select few for the incredible noises they make. As modern vehicles get quieter and more refined, certain engines have earned legendary reputations for their unforgettable sounds. Whether you prefer the deep rumble of an American V8, the distinctive growl of a five-cylinder engine, or the high-pitched scream of an Italian supercar, there's something satisfying about a vehicle that sounds as exciting as it drives. From affordable everyday favorites to six-figure exotics, here are 20 cars that enthusiasts would happily buy just to hear their engines roar.
1. Lexus LFA
Few production cars have earned as much praise for their engine sounds as the Lexus LFA. Its naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V10 produces an incredible scream as it approaches its 9,000-rpm redline, creating a sound that's almost impossible to confuse with anything else. Lexus even worked with Yamaha's musical instrument specialists to fine-tune the car's acoustics, making the engine note one of its most celebrated features.
2. Volkswagen Golf R32 (Mk4)
Volkswagen's original Golf R32 proves that a practical hatchback can have an absolutely fantastic engine note. Its naturally aspirated 3.2-liter VR6 produces a deep, throaty growl that becomes wonderfully expressive when you accelerate through the gears. Despite looking relatively ordinary compared to most performance cars, the R32 has developed a devoted following largely because its six-cylinder engine sounds so good.
3. Porsche Carrera GT
Powered by a 5.7-liter V10 developed from Porsche's racing ambitions, the Carrera GT has one of the most recognizable engine sounds in automotive history. Its exhaust produces a raw, metallic howl that becomes particularly dramatic as the revs climb, with an unmistakable motorsport character. Combine that incredible noise with a six-speed manual transmission, and you've got a driving experience that very few modern supercars can replicate.
4. Ferrari F355
Before Ferrari introduced increasingly sophisticated electronic systems and turbocharged engines, the F355 was already making some spectacular noises. Its 3.5-liter V8 features a five-valve-per-cylinder design and revs all the way to 8,500 rpm, giving it a wonderfully crisp, energetic exhaust note. Many enthusiasts consider the F355 one of Ferrari's best-sounding road cars, especially when equipped with its traditional six-speed manual gearbox.
5. BMW M5 E60
BMW made an unusually ambitious decision when it equipped the fourth-generation M5 with a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10. Inspired by the company's Formula One involvement, the engine produces a distinctive mechanical wail that becomes increasingly dramatic as the revs approach 8,250 rpm. Although the E60 M5 is notorious for potentially expensive maintenance, its remarkable engine remains a major reason enthusiasts continue to seek it out.
6. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG W204
There's something particularly satisfying about the original Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and its enormous naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8. Unlike many high-revving European performance cars, this Mercedes delivers a thunderous, bass-heavy exhaust note that's immediately recognizable even at relatively low speeds. Give it some throttle, and the engine responds with an unmistakable AMG bark that makes the car feel considerably more aggressive than your average luxury sedan.
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7. Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
Ford gave the Shelby GT350 a very different personality from its traditional V8-powered Mustangs. Its 5.2-liter Voodoo engine uses a flat-plane crankshaft, allowing it to rev higher and produce a more exotic exhaust note than the typical American muscle car. With an 8,250-rpm redline and an active exhaust system, the GT350 is especially entertaining when you're accelerating through the gears.
8. Fiat 500 Abarth
You don't need an enormous engine or an expensive sports car to enjoy a memorable exhaust note, and the Fiat 500 Abarth is proof. North American versions feature a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that produces a surprisingly loud, raspy exhaust sound for such a small vehicle. Its factory exhaust has plenty of attitude, making even a routine trip to the grocery store considerably more entertaining.
9. Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
If subtlety isn't your thing, the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ has absolutely no interest in changing your mind. Its naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 builds from an imposing growl into an outrageous shriek as the engine approaches its 8,500-rpm redline. The SVJ's aggressive exhaust system makes the already dramatic V12 particularly loud, delivering exactly the sort of excitement you'd expect from Lamborghini's flagship supercar.
10. Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991.2)
Porsche has spent decades perfecting its naturally aspirated flat-six engines, and the 991.2-generation 911 GT3 RS is a particularly impressive example. Its 4.0-liter engine revs to 9,000 rpm, producing a piercing mechanical howl that's especially satisfying when you're approaching the upper end of the tachometer. The sound is even more engaging thanks to the engine's lightning-fast throttle response, which makes every acceleration feel wonderfully immediate.
11. Audi R8 V10
The Audi R8 V10 offers one of the most entertaining engine sounds you'll find in a relatively usable supercar. Its naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 delivers a distinctive combination of mechanical growl and an increasingly urgent exhaust note as the engine approaches its limits. Earlier models with gated six-speed manual transmissions are especially appealing because drivers can enjoy that incredible sound while shifting gears themselves.
12. Jaguar F-Type R
Jaguar certainly wasn't concerned about keeping things quiet when it developed the supercharged V8-powered F-Type R. Its 5.0-liter engine delivers a menacing exhaust rumble accompanied by dramatic pops and crackles, especially in earlier model years. Even relatively ordinary drives become entertaining when you're listening to the occasional explosion from the exhaust, which helps explain why the F-Type has such a strong following among enthusiasts.
13. Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z is one of those relatively affordable sports cars that enthusiasts can often recognize before they even see it. Its naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 produces a distinctive, slightly raspy exhaust note, particularly on earlier models equipped with the VQ35DE engine. While the sound isn't everyone's favorite, the 350Z's unmistakable character and huge aftermarket support have made it a popular choice for drivers who enjoy hearing their engines work.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima on Wikimedia
14. Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale
Maserati's GranTurismo MC Stradale proves that an exceptional exhaust note can make an already attractive grand tourer considerably more desirable. Its Ferrari-derived 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 produces a rich, theatrical roar that's especially noticeable when the car's sportier exhaust settings are engaged. There's a certain rawness to the MC Stradale's delivery that makes it particularly appealing to drivers who prefer their performance cars with plenty of personality.
15. Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C6
The C6-generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06 earned its reputation with an enormous 7.0-liter naturally aspirated LS7 V8. Rather than relying on extremely high engine speeds, this American sports car delivers an authoritative, low-frequency exhaust rumble that turns much more aggressive under heavy acceleration. Its combination of substantial displacement, lightweight construction, and a six-speed manual transmission makes the Z06 especially satisfying to drive and listen to.
16. Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2004)
Not every fantastic engine sound comes from an expensive exotic, as the 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI demonstrates. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer-four produces the famously uneven Subaru rumble, thanks in part to its unequal-length exhaust headers. Add the characteristic turbocharger whistles and bypass-valve noises, and you've got a performance legend with a personality that enthusiasts can recognize from a considerable distance.
17. Audi RS3 (8V)
Audi's five-cylinder engines have a long history in performance cars, and the 8V-generation RS3 continues that tradition beautifully. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five produces a distinctive offbeat rhythm because of its unusual cylinder firing order, giving it a character that most four- and six-cylinder engines simply can't match. Earlier RS3 models are particularly entertaining, with their lively exhaust sounds and occasional crackles making them considerably more exciting than their understated styling suggests.
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18. Mazda RX-7 FD
The third-generation Mazda RX-7 sounds noticeably different from conventional piston-powered sports cars, largely because of its unusual rotary engine. Its twin-turbocharged 1.3-liter 13B-REW produces a smooth, buzzing mechanical note that becomes increasingly urgent as the engine approaches its redline. Enthusiasts particularly appreciate the RX-7's distinctive exhaust character, although owning one requires understanding the maintenance demands of its rotary powertrain.
19. Honda S2000
Honda's S2000 proves that you don't need six, eight, or twelve cylinders to enjoy an extraordinary engine sound. Early AP1 models feature a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder capable of revving to an incredible 9,000 rpm, producing an increasingly sharp, energetic note as the tachometer climbs. The change in engine character when its high-rpm VTEC operation kicks in is especially satisfying, giving drivers another reason to enjoy the S2000's famously enthusiastic personality.
20. Mini Cooper S (R53)
The first-generation modern Mini Cooper S has a distinctive sound that newer turbocharged versions can't quite replicate. Its supercharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder produces a noticeable mechanical whine that becomes more prominent as you accelerate, particularly when the supercharger is working hard. Combined with the car's playful handling and relatively accessible used-market pricing, that unmistakable whistling sound gives the R53 plenty of appeal for enthusiasts who want something fun without spending a fortune.
