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Top 10 Cars That Sound Better Than They Drive

Cameron Eittreim June 3, 2025

For car enthusiasts, few things ignite passion quite like the intoxicating roar of a finely tuned exhaust. Engine notes can stir emotions, turn heads, and elevate a simple drive into an unforgettable experience. However, not every vehicle with a symphonic exhaust lives up to the excitement promised by its sound. Some cars deliver an auditory thrill, yet fall disappointingly short when it comes to handling, acceleration, or overall driving dynamics. In this article, we explore ten vehicles notorious for this disparity—cars that promise exhilaration through their exhaust notes but, unfortunately, fail to match that promise behind the wheel.

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1. Maserati GranTurismo

Few cars capture the essence of Italian passion quite like the Maserati GranTurismo. Its Ferrari-derived V8 engine produces an intoxicating soundtrack that can quicken pulses and turn heads at every intersection. Unfortunately, the driving experience doesn’t quite measure up to its captivating exhaust note. Behind the wheel, drivers quickly notice the GranTurismo’s age, evident through its dated infotainment system, cumbersome handling, and lackluster performance compared to modern rivals. While competitors offer quicker acceleration, sharper handling, and cutting-edge technology, the Maserati remains a car whose appeal largely hinges on its seductive sound rather than actual driving prowess.

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2. Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat announces its arrival with a thunderous roar, courtesy of its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. The aggressive exhaust note, accompanied by a spine-tingling supercharger whine, promises exhilarating performance at every rev. However, the excitement largely ends at straight-line acceleration. With its considerable weight and sizable dimensions, the Hellcat struggles to deliver the kind of agility and cornering finesse enthusiasts expect from modern performance cars. Compared to lighter, more nimble rivals, this muscle car feels cumbersome and imprecise through corners, ultimately highlighting a stark disparity between its thrilling sound and actual driving dynamics.

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3. Fiat 500 Abarth

The Fiat 500 Abarth punches well above its weight class—at least when it comes to sound. Its aggressive, crackling exhaust note provides an energetic soundtrack usually reserved for far more powerful sports cars. Unfortunately, this feisty sound doesn’t translate into equally thrilling performance. Once the initial charm wears off, drivers quickly notice the Abarth’s modest acceleration, compromised handling, and noticeable body roll through corners. The interior, dominated by cheap plastics and outdated technology, further diminishes the driving experience. While the Fiat 500 Abarth confidently announces its arrival, the reality behind the wheel simply doesn’t match the boldness of its voice.

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4. Lexus LFA

Engineered in collaboration with Yamaha, the Lexus LFA’s high-revving V10 produces one of the most captivating and distinctive exhaust notes ever heard in a road car. Its exhilarating scream at high RPMs is often described as automotive music—pure auditory perfection. Yet, despite this acoustic brilliance, the LFA’s driving experience doesn’t entirely align with expectations. The complex automated-manual transmission feels sluggish and outdated compared to modern dual-clutch systems, detracting from overall performance. Additionally, its handling dynamics can feel twitchy and unpredictable at the limit. Coupled with an astronomical price tag, the LFA’s sound ultimately outshines its real-world driving prowess.

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5. Alfa Romeo 4C

The Alfa Romeo 4C captivates drivers and bystanders alike with its spirited, turbocharged exhaust note, exuding a raw intensity reminiscent of classic Italian sports cars. Yet, once behind the wheel, the charm quickly fades, revealing significant compromises in everyday usability. Its unforgiving suspension provides a harsh, jarring ride over even mildly uneven surfaces, while the unassisted steering feels heavy and cumbersome at lower speeds. Inside, the 4C offers minimal refinement, with sparse amenities and intrusive cabin noise diminishing comfort during regular driving scenarios. Ultimately, while the Alfa Romeo 4C sings a compelling tune, its practical shortcomings limit its appeal beyond weekend thrills.

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6. Chevrolet Camaro SS

The Chevrolet Camaro SS seduces enthusiasts with its deep, muscular V8 rumble—a soundtrack that embodies classic American muscle car heritage. However, despite this appealing audio drama, driving the Camaro SS often reveals notable shortcomings. Visibility is severely limited by thick pillars and tiny windows, making everyday driving and tight maneuvers challenging. The interior feels cramped and somewhat claustrophobic, especially compared to more practical and refined rivals. Additionally, while powerful in straights, the Camaro SS lacks the balanced handling and precision found in lighter, more agile performance vehicles. Ultimately, the Camaro’s thrilling exhaust note can’t mask its fundamental compromises.

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7. Nissan 370Z

The Nissan 370Z has long delighted enthusiasts with its throaty, naturally aspirated V6 engine note, a satisfying growl that evokes classic sports car nostalgia. Unfortunately, beneath this appealing soundtrack lies an aging platform that’s increasingly overshadowed by more modern competitors. Drivers quickly notice the 370Z’s harsh ride quality, which proves uncomfortable on longer journeys or rougher roads. Its interior further highlights the car’s age, featuring outdated infotainment systems, cheap-feeling materials, and limited technology. These drawbacks diminish the overall experience, making it clear that although the 370Z still sounds enticing, its driving dynamics and amenities no longer keep pace with rivals.

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8. Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is renowned among car enthusiasts for its extraordinary flat-plane crank V8 symphony, a high-revving, race-inspired soundtrack that thrills drivers and spectators alike. Yet, despite its sonic charisma, the GT350 proves challenging to live with on a daily basis. Its stiff suspension, optimized for track performance, translates to an unforgiving ride on regular roads. The demanding driving dynamics require constant vigilance, making casual drives exhausting rather than enjoyable. Additionally, the cabin lacks the refinement and comfort offered by similarly priced European competitors. Ultimately, while the Shelby GT350’s exhaust note is undeniably intoxicating, its real-world usability remains compromised.

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9. Hyundai Veloster N

The Hyundai Veloster N immediately grabs attention with its delightfully aggressive exhaust, delivering satisfying pops, crackles, and burbles usually reserved for pricier performance cars. However, beneath this engaging soundtrack lie some notable limitations. As a front-wheel-drive hot hatch, the Veloster N struggles with noticeable torque steer under heavy acceleration, compromising steering precision and control. Additionally, its chassis lacks the refinement and sophistication found in class-leading rivals, resulting in a ride that can feel overly harsh and unsettled at times. While its sound certainly punches above its weight, the Veloster N ultimately falls short in delivering the polished driving experience enthusiasts expect.

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10. Jaguar F-Type V6

The Jaguar F-Type V6 is celebrated for its smooth, melodious exhaust note, offering a refined and sophisticated acoustic experience that’s undeniably alluring. However, get behind the wheel, and you’ll notice the car’s shortcomings in dynamic performance. Its heavier curb weight dulls acceleration and hampers overall agility, making it feel less responsive than lighter, more agile competitors. Steering precision is also lacking, detracting from driver confidence when navigating tight corners at speed. Although the F-Type’s elegant soundtrack continues to charm drivers and enthusiasts alike, its driving dynamics simply don’t match the promise conveyed by its captivating exhaust symphony.

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Conclusion

The allure of a captivating exhaust note is undeniable—it’s the soundtrack that fuels automotive passion and excites the senses. Yet, as we’ve explored, some vehicles deliver an incredible auditory experience without fully living up to that promise on the road. Performance and practicality should always factor into an enthusiast’s decision, prompting careful consideration of both sound and driving dynamics. Fortunately, automakers continue to evolve, striving to blend thrilling acoustics with genuine driving prowess. As enthusiasts, it’s our role to value both components equally, ensuring our passion for cars is matched by vehicles that truly deliver on all fronts.

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