Why USA made diesels are so darn loud? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vahe · #1 10-09-2006, 12:50 PM

A litte OT. but I have always wondered why American made diesels, the pick up trucks, are so loud and noisy. The Europiean diesels are getting more refined with every new model, the MB CDI sounds almost like a gasser, it is so quiet.
Guy living across the street from us has a 3/4 ton diesel pick up, we always wake up when he cranks that car in early mornings, it sounds much like a dump truck enloading a full load of gravel across the street.

Vahe
240D 77

lkchris · #2 10-09-2006, 01:02 PM

You're comparing cars to trucks.

There is oodles and gobs of sound deadening material in a new Mercedes diesel car.

Very little in a Dodge pickup.

In addition, the bottom of a car is a lot closer to the ground than it is for a pickup.

deltajetfixer · #3 10-09-2006, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vahe

A litte OT. but I have always wondered why American made diesels, the pick up trucks, are so loud and noisy. The Europiean diesels are getting more refined with every new model, the MB CDI sounds almost like a gasser, it is so quiet.
Guy living across the street from us has a 3/4 ton diesel pick up, we always wake up when he cranks that car in early mornings, it sounds much like a dump truck enloading a full load of gravel across the street.

Vahe
240D 77

Europe has some pretty tight noise regulations.

http://www.ce-mark.com/noise1.html

Rashakor · #4 10-09-2006, 02:12 PM

also i would expect a 4 or 6 banger diesel (some of them atmospheric) tuned for fuel economy an smoothness to be quieter than a 8 banger tuned for maximum power (with striaght pipes, dual turbo,...).
Let's face it diesels in the USA are traditionally working machines that are even expected to be loud!

TheDon · #5 10-09-2006, 02:54 PM

ah the sound of a cummins pulling a loaded flat bed from take off... its music to my ears

pawoSD · #6 10-09-2006, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

ah the sound of a cummins pulling a loaded flat bed from take off... its music to my ears

I agree, that is one sweeet sound!

I like the sound of all the USA pickups. Only the newer ones though, and the Cummins 5.9 is my favorite. The duramax trucks are pretty quiet, the fords are horendously noisy but I like it.

I don't like the sound of the old ford diesels though, sounds to gurgly. Reminds me more of a giant washing machine than a diesel.

rg2098 · #7 10-09-2006, 04:56 PM

American Diesels are made for trucks where the specs are a bit different. If those engine were half the size (car size) would they be as loud? Probably not. GM is comming out with a new family of diesels which are as quiet if not quieter then a gasser. Also 300hp @3000 , 512 lb.ft torque @ 1800. I love those new engines.

#8 10-09-2006, 06:43 PM

3.0L V6 210HP, 369FT/LB-TQ luxury car.
5.9L I-6 325HP, 610FT/LB-TQ work truck.

nuff said.

TheDon · #9 10-09-2006, 07:27 PM

id still like to drop a cummins ino a W123... can you say torque flex

Quote:

Originally Posted by vahe

A litte OT. but I have always wondered why American made diesels, the pick up trucks, are so loud and noisy. The Europiean diesels are getting more refined with every new model, the MB CDI sounds almost like a gasser, it is so quiet.
Guy living across the street from us has a 3/4 ton diesel pick up, we always wake up when he cranks that car in early mornings, it sounds much like a dump truck enloading a full load of gravel across the street.

Vahe
240D 77

ive never been outside of my car when its been started so i dont know what my neighbors have to hear at 6 am when i leave for school.. plus having a diesel sucks when you try to sneak in late at night.. not that i have.. its impossible to do so.. i live on top of a hill so coasting it in is impossible