What engine configuration makes the most exciting noises?

Colin
By Colin Wood
Mar 31, 2022 | engine sound

Photography Courtesy Audi

Not a specific engine, per se, but what engine configuration has the most thrilling note?

Thundering V8? Burbling flat-four? Or something else?

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Comments
SKJSS (formerly Klayfish)
SKJSS (formerly Klayfish) PowerDork
3/31/22 6:13 a.m.

Wait...I actually have to pick just one?  Are you going to ask me to pick my favorite child next????

I honestly think a lot of it also can depend on the exhaust set up too.  When I had a Viper GTS, the stock exhaust kept the sound from being anything resembling what you'd expect from a monstrous V10....

Rodan
Rodan SuperDork
3/31/22 8:54 a.m.

V12.  Full stop.

Evidence:

adam525i
adam525i GRM+ Memberand Dork
3/31/22 9:27 a.m.

Any engine throwing parts through the block makes pretty exciting noises

NickD
NickD MegaDork
3/31/22 9:54 a.m.

Anything with a big ol' positive displacement blower perched atop it.

kevinatfms
kevinatfms HalfDork
3/31/22 9:56 a.m.

Where to begin....

93EXCivic
93EXCivic MegaDork
3/31/22 10:05 a.m.

Inline 6.

Appleseed
Appleseed MegaDork
3/31/22 10:09 a.m.

Round.

KyAllroad
KyAllroad MegaDork
3/31/22 10:28 a.m.

I dunno but can we all agree that a straight piped inline 4 is the worst sounding engine?

buzzboy
buzzboy SuperDork
3/31/22 10:56 a.m.

Inline 5 diesel up against the governor

 

KyAllroad said:

I dunno but can we all agree that a straight piped inline 4 is the worst sounding engine?

Sorry, I just can't. A straight piped VQ35 is the worst sounding

93EXCivic
93EXCivic MegaDork
3/31/22 11:12 a.m.
KyAllroad said:

I dunno but can we all agree that a straight piped inline 4 is the worst sounding engine?

Nope. Harley V-twin.

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