Same car, same engine, different sound
Discussion
Both me and a friend have almost identical EP2 Civics. Mines a 53 plate, his is an 04, mine has 80k on the clock, his has 100k. Both have full service history and have been well cared for in our ownerships. Neither have been modified and both are currently using OEM servicing items (air filters etc).
As a passenger in his today, I noticed that although the car has the same engine, the sound is completely different. It was a bit smoother and sounded more "tight" if that makes sense. listening, you wouldn't know that the engines were from the same car.
Why is this? I know there will be differences in use over a cars life which will affect the engine, but from a mechanical point of view, what makes them sound different?
As a passenger in his today, I noticed that although the car has the same engine, the sound is completely different. It was a bit smoother and sounded more "tight" if that makes sense. listening, you wouldn't know that the engines were from the same car.
Why is this? I know there will be differences in use over a cars life which will affect the engine, but from a mechanical point of view, what makes them sound different?
Firstly, it could be placebo. Or it could be his driving style.
If there actually is an audible difference between two different engines of exactly the same spec it can be down to almost anything- the running temperature, condition of the intake system/filter, the exhaust system, the engine/gearbox mounts, plugs/tappets/injectors, the timing chain/belt condition and timing, engine pulleys, cabin sound insulation, the grade of oil used, the fuel and ignition map it left the factory with, whether or not the A/C is on, even the way the engine was broken in and has been treated since etc etc.
If there actually is an audible difference between two different engines of exactly the same spec it can be down to almost anything- the running temperature, condition of the intake system/filter, the exhaust system, the engine/gearbox mounts, plugs/tappets/injectors, the timing chain/belt condition and timing, engine pulleys, cabin sound insulation, the grade of oil used, the fuel and ignition map it left the factory with, whether or not the A/C is on, even the way the engine was broken in and has been treated since etc etc.
Edited by HustleRussell on Wednesday 6th March 09:50
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