Bring on the Noise—or Maybe Don't
Have you ever heard a car before you saw it? We know, us too. The automotive world splits into two fascinating camps: mechanical beasts that announce their presence and silent gliders that sneak up on you. Whichever side you identify with, let’s look at the top cars from both parties.
Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France on Wikimedia
1. Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Engineers at Porsche weren't thinking about your eardrums when they created this monster. Hitting 108 decibels at full throttle, the 911 GT3 RS's 4.0-liter flat-six engine is loud as a concert. But drivers grin as they approach that spine-tingling 8,800–9,000 rpm redline.
Falcon® Photography on Wikimedia
2. Lamborghini Huracán Performante
A naturally aspirated V10 engine has become rare today, and nothing demonstrates that tragedy quite like the Huracán Performante. Measuring an ear-shattering 109 decibels, this Italian screamer outdoes even the Porsche GT3 RS. The sound basically evolves throughout the rev range.
3. Mercedes-AMG E63
You can hear it coming blocks away—that distinctive growl of German engineering awakened. The 2025 Mercedes-AMG E63 hides a ferocious 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 under its exterior, and according to reports, the intensity at full throttle can reach up to 81 decibels from the outside.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima on Wikimedia
4. McLaren 720S Spider
Want the loudest convertible money can buy? The exhaust sound of the 720S Spider is notably loud, with independent tests measuring it at around 109 decibels at wide-open throttle. Beyond its volume, McLaren’s exhaust note is beautifully tuned for a car generating 710 hp.
5. Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
American muscle makes its statement here with the outrageously powerful Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. Its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine doesn't just have giddy-up, it carries authority. The aggressive exhaust system was specifically engineered to intimidate, and it succeeds brilliantly.
6. Jaguar F-Type R
British engineering takes a walk on the wild side. Jaguar's supercharged V8 breaks the stereotype of refined British luxury, instead delivering a soundtrack that's pure power. Jaguar crafted the exhaust system to amplify the car's personality: sophisticated when cruising, feral when provoked.
7. Ford Shelby GT350
The secret to the GT350's howl lies in its flat-plane crankshaft. This design is typically reserved for exotic European sports cars, and decibel measurements show the GT350 can produce around 94 dB at 3000 RPM. It climbs to 98 dB at 5000 RPM, and up to 106 dB at 7000 RPM.
8. Koenigsegg Agera R
Interestingly, the Agera R, despite its limited production run of just 18 units, is celebrated among super car enthusiasts. The engine has a redline at 7,500 rpm and uses advanced technologies such as a high-power coil-on-plug ignition system. Talk about making your presence known.
9. Corvette ZR1
Chevrolet threw subtlety out the window when developing the C7 ZR1. The supercharged 6.2-liter LT5 V8 creates an unmistakable roar whether you're idling, accelerating, or at full speed. With that kind of power, the ZR1 set a benchmark for American performance rides that few have matched.
10. Lexus LC500
Few expect a Lexus to make the list of loudest cars, yet the LC500 earns its spot with a vocal 5.0-liter V8. The exhaust system features active valves that open and close based on throttle input, which allows it to produce a deep exhaust note.
These well-known cars make shake the pavement, but now let's slip into ones that make driving a peaceful dream.
1. Tesla Model S
Silence becomes luxury in the Tesla Model S. Without a combustion engine, this electric pioneer delivers an almost surreal driving experience. Tesla engineers literally had to add sound back in for safety reasons.
Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) on Wikimedia
2. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
A hushed cabin forms the cornerstone of the S-Class experience, regardless of which engine you choose—even the AMG performance models keep their powerful ones working discreetly. Mercedes achieved this quietness through multilayered sound insulation and noise cancellation technology.
Danny Galvez from Pinoso, España on Wikimedia
3. Rolls-Royce Ghost
"Effortless" describes everything about the Ghost. Rolls-Royce initially made the cabin too quiet, crafting an unsettling sensory deprivation that made occupants uncomfortable. They had to reintroduce a subtle "whisper" to ease passengers, which is how we got such a quiet model back on the streets.
4. Lexus GS
Unlike European competitors that emphasize power, the GS focuses on refinement first. The mid-size luxury vehicle maintains its composure, especially at highway speeds. What's more is how it gets this serenity without the price tag of other comparable options.
5. Genesis G90
Hyundai's luxury division aimed directly at established brands with the G90, and cabin quietness was a primary target. Extensive soundproofing, laminated glass, and active noise cancellation deliver an exceptional noise-free environment. It also employs the Road Noise Active Noise Control (RANC).
6. Audi A8
Low NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels define the Audi A8 experience from the moment you close its doors. The smooth engines can produce a sporty roar when pushed, but otherwise remain virtually silent; Audi's acoustic work shines in the A8's dual-pane glass.
7. Lincoln Navigator
Lincoln's twin-turbocharged V6 engine produces 440 horsepower discreetly. The company essentially prioritized noise reduction through an Active Noise Control system that counteracts unwanted sounds. Their attention to detail extends to laminated windows, too.
8. Bentley Mulsanne
Each Mulsanne contains extensive sound insulation, while specially developed tires reduce road noise to a whisper. The 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8 was built to remain almost imperceptible at cruising speeds, and it's been described as having "no noise" and no turbo lag.
9. Lucid Air
Silicon Valley newcomer Lucid developed an EV that leverages the inherent quietness of electric motors while addressing the challenges they create. Without engine noise to mask them, squeaks and rattles become more noticeable in EVs, but the Air displays complete powertrain silence with advanced aerodynamics.
10. Kia K900
Unexpectedly impressive sound insulation makes the K900 a stealth competitor in the luxury market. The K900's NVH rating rivals established premium brands, proving that tranquility doesn't have to come with a status-symbol badge. At highway speeds (70 mph), the cabin noise measures approximately 67 decibels.
