Why do Subarus sound like they do?

Subarus are known for their unique engine sound, often described as a distinctive rumble or boxer engine sound. This sound is primarily due to a combination of two factors: the boxer engine design and the unequal length exhaust headers.
Subaru vehicles are equipped with boxer engines, also known as flat engines, where the cylinders are horizontally opposed and lie flat. This design creates a balanced and low center of gravity, which contributes to the vehicle’s stability and handling. The firing sequence of the boxer engine, where the pistons move horizontally in and out, results in a distinct sound that differs from the traditional inline or V-shaped engines.
Additionally, Subarus with turbocharged boxer engines often have unequal length exhaust headers. These headers have pipes of different lengths, which cause the exhaust pulses to arrive at the turbocharger at slightly different times. This creates a unique sound characterized by the rumble and throatiness that many Subaru enthusiasts appreciate.
It’s worth noting that not all Subaru models produce the same sound, as different engine configurations and exhaust systems can influence the overall sound profile. The sound can also vary depending on modifications or aftermarket parts installed on the vehicle.
Overall, the distinctive sound of Subarus is a result of their boxer engine design and unequal length exhaust headers, which contribute to the unique rumble that many Subaru fans enjoy.

What makes Subarus loud?

The air intake duct is a tube that connects the air filter to the engine. It can become clogged with dirt and dust over time, making your engine louder when you start it.

Why do boxer engines sound so deep?

The header piping from cylinders one and three are different in length from those from two and four. This means, the exhaust gas coming off the engine has to move through different lengths, as does the sound it produces, which creates an uneven tone (much like a rumble), instead of a smooth tone.

Do boxer engines vibrate more?

wider angle V engines have less vibration, Flat engines ( either Boxer or 180 degree V engines) have even less then that. Boxer engines do a very good job of negating vibration by design.

Why do boxer engines last so long?

Longevity and safety
The Boxer engine’s horizontal design and balance cause the engine to produce less vibration as the opposing pistons move. This adds to the engine’s durability and allows the Subaru to last longer and emit less noise by running smoother.

Why does my Subaru sound like a lawn mower?

Exhaust noise, such as a “lawn mower” type sound should never be ignored because it may indicate an exhaust system leak which can release carbon monoxide into the cabin of your vehicle and negatively impact your health and well-being.

Why does my Subaru sound like a sewing machine?

The sound can be heard at idle and increases with RPM, similar to the sound of a sewing machine. This sound is created by the contact of the pivot and rocker arm when the intake valve is approaching its seat.

Why do Subarus sound like that?

The header cylinders in a beefy WRX STI are set at different lengths. With cylinders 1 and 3 being slightly different in length to 2 and 4 any sound has to move in an unconventional manner through the exhaust and produces the unique rumble.

Why do cars sound the way they do?

Exactly how the noise a car makes is produced and then tuned of course starts inside the engine, and the type of noise created rests largely on three primary variables; the number of cylinders and their arrangement, the frequency with which those cylinders fire and the firing sequence of those cylinders.

Why do Subarus sound like they are misfiring?

The 2.5-liter Subaru engine makes use of something called unequal length headers, which are exactly what they sound like. The header piping from cylinders one and three are of a different length than those from two and four.

Are Subaru cars quiet?

That’s right, the Subaru Impreza ranks second in the quietest cabin award, so if you want a quiet ride in a top-notch all-wheel-drive vehicle, you’ll want to start your search right here.