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rebbel's avatar

Why do American cars sound 'heavier' then European cars?

Asked by rebbel (35553points) June 5th, 2010

Today i went to a meeting where there were only American cars (and some bikes).
Most of them were oldtimers, ranging from 50’s to 70’s, with also some a bit younger (80’s till now).
I wondered why do the American cars have this typical fat, heavy, muscular sound, as opposed to the Europeans, which are much more flat, hoover-like sounding?
My two brothers couldn’t give me an answer.
Can you?

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10 Answers

chyna's avatar

Because Americans love muscle cars. Didn’t you see the movie American Graffitti? :-)

Seaofclouds's avatar

It’s due to the engine and exhaust system in the vehicles.

ucme's avatar

Coz the yanks have Barry White chewing on wasps under their hoods.At least sounds that way.Also exceptionally inferior cars on the whole, just sayin.

HungryGuy's avatar

@ucme”...Barry White chewing on wasps….” ROTFLMMFAO!!!!

OreetCocker's avatar

Big V8’s may be the reason. I have an 80’s Ford with a German V6 up front and all the kids love the noise it makes.

Blondesjon's avatar

It is actually party of the original peace treaty, signed at Trent, after the Revolutionary War. It’s a subtle and constant reminder that we are the champions, my friend.

boffin's avatar

There made with good old Detroit Iron….

arpinum's avatar

Unequal length of downpipes can create that lumpy american sound. Aggressive cams will do this as well. The deepness has to do with the length of the exhaust and large diameter.

FireMadeFlesh's avatar

I don’t think they necessarily do. The Europeans can do big V8s too. American manufacturers are just unimaginative and use V8s for every sports car they make, while the Europeans experiment with V10s, V12s, boxer 8s, turbochargers or natural aspiration.

mattbrowne's avatar

Because some Americans think CO2 is fertilizer.

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