A sound that’s described as "ear-deafening" is loud and unpleasant to hear. It causes people to clasp palms around their ears and block out all sound in an attempt to prevent injury. Certain engines in automobiles are capable of causing this typical reaction. Many car enthusiasts who value performance, the speed of cars above all else, actually like the sound of loud engines. They, too, are just as susceptible to hurting their ears if they listen to a screaming motor long enough. Yet their appreciation for an engine’s mechanics and what it’s capable of doing behind the love of engine roars.

Updated February 2022: Since this article was first published all the way back in 2018, many new ear-splitting engines have graced the streets. We've taken the time to update this list with more street-legal, ear-piercing engines that are on the market.

Even though an engine roar is going to get a polarized reception, one thing is for sure; these machines can damage the ears. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also known as the CDC, any noise that goes above 85 decibels for an extended amount of time could threaten one's hearing. That never stopped automakers from making powerful cars that come with loud engines that turn heads and are legal to drive outside racetracks. These are some of the loudest road-legal vehicles to come off the production line that will have even the most diehard car enthusiasts clasping their ears.

Related: 10 Wildest Street-Legal Cars Japan Ever Produced

23 McLaren 720S Spider

McLaren 720S Drift Mode
Via McLaren 720S Images

The McLaren 720S Spider stands as the peak McLaren offers for anyone who has enough money to blow. It is also the loudest car in the convertible segment sitting at an ear-shredding 99 decibels. All that noise is generated from the 720S' massive twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

The engine is beautifully tuned. Capable of 710 horsepower and a 0-60 in only 2.7 seconds, this McLaren is more than a loud motor. We would warn you about what purchasing such a loud car would mean for the neighbors. But, at a starting price over $300,000, the neighbors are either really far away or also have equally loud cars hiding in their garage!

22 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Porsche 911 gt3 rs blue back rear view side angle tail light camera blinker signal bar full wing spoiler  night
porsche.com

The only really good look of the 911 GT3 RS you're likely to get is from the rear. That's because the 911 GT3 RS is fast, like really fast. Powered by a 4.0L flat-six capable of 500 horsepower, the GT3 RS is also screaming loud! A bone-chilling 108 decibels pours from this performance-inspired 911. Although it is loud, the 911 GT3 RS is worth all the praise. The handling is voted top-notch, and acceleration is snappy and inspired!

You can never go wrong with a Porsche 911; just be sure to bring some earplugs for your passenger; they may not appreciate the loud engine noises like yourself. Plus, sitting at almost $200,000, you'll have an easier time finding a loud car that isn't cool!

21 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Orange 2019 Corvette ZR1
Mecum Auctions

Before putting the Corvette through the mid-engine refresh, the ZR1 was crowned as one of the loudest street-legal machines available. The Corvette ZR1 hits an astounding 99 decibels from its supercharged V8 engine, which by the way, is good for 755 horsepower. The model year of 2019 shouldn't scare anyone away. There is plenty of fun with the 7-speed manual transmission, and the iconic RWD launches the ZR1 to 60 in less than 3 seconds.

Just like many other cars on this list, the ZR1 isn't cheap. New, this Corvette could top $150,000. Now that a few years passed, you can still pick one up for the same $150,000. Ah, the joys of loud, expensive cars.

20 Audi TT RS 3

Audi TT RS:RS 3
via CarBuzz

Some of the nosiest cars on this list—including the Audi RS 3—give little indication on the outside of how fierce they really are. Take one for a spin, though, and it soon becomes apparent they’re mean machines that’ll wake up the whole neighborhood.

According to the Independent, the RS 3 can put out 98 dB with no remorse. That’s enough to hurt someone’s ears after a period of time. For many enthusiasts, it’s the blending of two perfect worlds—the luxury and class of an Audi with the noise and raw power out of an engine in a performance car.

19 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera

Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera : Wikimedia Commons
via Wikimedia Commons

Leave it to a Lamborghini to produce ear-deafening sounds. The Gallardo Superleggera comes with a 5.0-liter V10 engine that’ll knock the socks off anyone nearby, one going at full throttle.

As Autocar in their review notes, the sound is the first thing people notice about this car, which is primarily due to a reworked exhaust system. One contributing factor in the exhaust system is its lighter weight, freeing it up to roar that much louder. On top of power, owners get the iconic Lamborghini exterior that’s even recognizable outside of car enthusiast circles. This is a car that manages to hit all the right notes.

18 Koenigsegg Agera R

Koenigsegg Agera R : Cars247
via Cars247

Supercars are natural fits when it comes to the loudest production automobiles out there. While there are technically only 25 of these made, as Petrolhead Arabia notes, they still make the cut as some of the loudest cars in existence. They can even back up the sound with astounding speed. The same source reports that they have 1140 hp, which will look like a typo to the uninformed.

It’s no wonder these engines erupt so loudly, considering the power they're able to output. Not only is the Koenigsegg Agera R the real deal, but they have some of the loudest engines around.

Related: 5,000-HP Street-Legal Hurst Olds Is A Weird Full-Blown Weapon

17 Lotus Elise S2

Lotus Elise S2 : FavCars.com
via FavCars.com

When it comes to overlooked vehicles in the U.S., consumers continue to under-appreciate Lotus’ lineup. Perhaps a louder engine will speak to US sensibilities, calling back to the muscle car era.

The Lotus Elise S2 excels not only in power but garners a reputation for its precise handling too. In its review of the Elise S2, The Truth About Cars didn’t give the engine the highest of praise, though it’s sure to make a loud noise at full throttle. This is a car that many will consider finding some way of deadening the sound, concerned about their hearing over time.

16 Ford GT

Ford GT : The Drive
via The Drive

Ford GTs are loud, robust machines, even right out of the factory. While they’re a favorite go-to among tuners, the stock versions alone have a reputation for their loud motors. Forbes even warns that GT drivers should be cautious about driving long distances, considering the sound that's generated within the cabin.

Driving at highway speeds over long periods is a situation where the engine’s sound will take a toll on soft ears after a while. The last thing car enthusiasts want is for this to change, considering any decibel dampening could affect the car's weight, which in turn impacts performance.

15 Ferrari F12

Ferrari F12 : Motor Trend
via Motor Trend

Ferrari not only makes cars fit for the racetrack, but one's owner can take for a spin on roads without concern of law enforcement. While they still have to adhere to speed limits, these end up being one loud car to drive at full throttle.

According to Carscoops, the F12 is one of the loudest Ferraris to exist, which is saying a lot considering the high-performance vehicles are never quiet. That’s all thanks to the engine that can do an impressive 781 hp, making this also a fast car on the road. It’s a car that will disgruntle police on so many levels.

14 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe

Jaguar F-Type R Coupe : CarCostCanada
via CarCostCanada

The 2014 Jaguar F-Type V8 S has an engine that the whole neighborhood will hear. According to Classic Car Club Manhattan, while testing the F-Type’s engine and putting a mobile decibel meter app on, the reading steadily rested at 91 dB. With the phone sitting underneath the car behind the exhaust, it hit a maximum of 101 dB. That makes this one mean an ear-ringing machine.

Considering how loud the engine can get, this may not be the safest car around, but it’s technically legal. Even more, it’s going to make the car enthusiasts grin from ear to ear—they just might not be able to hear.

13 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Corvette Z06 : Autoweek
via Autoweek

The Corvette Z06 offers beauty, performance, and a loud engine. Right off the production line, this car makes a lot of noise, and it’s all street legal. According to Edmunds, the Z06 reaches 72.1 dB when it’s going at fast as 70 mph. If that isn’t loud enough, though, only causing one’s ears a minor irritation, then taking a Z06 full throttle will reach as high as 94.8 dB.

That makes this one of the loudest cars on the list. Like all cars that reach decibels this high, it’s not the safest car to have, but it’s guaranteed to thrill.

12 Porsche Cayman GTS

Porsche Cayman GTS : Car and Driver
via Car and Driver

Porsche fans have further reason to celebrate. Not only do these cars offers luxury and style, but a rip-roaring engine too. The team at Car and Driver took the Cayman GTS out for a spin on a racetrack and found that the 340 hp was able to sound a lot meaner than it initially led on.

According to that source, they speculated that with the sport-exhaust button on, the Cayman GTS could exceed 92 decibels, which is the loudest the racetrack allows. A road legal car that can push an engine to racetrack restrictions for noise is in high esteem.

Related: McLaren Planning Two New Street-Legal Senna Models

11 7-Liter Ford Galaxie

7-Liter Ford Galaxie : Wikimedia Commons
via Wikimedia Commons

Not only does the Ford Galaxie have a classic design on the outside, but it’s a contender as one of the loudest cars ever. As Jalopnik reports, the 7-liter models even came with commemorative badges throughout the car. The engine didn’t just make noise either but could really tear down a street.

According to Automobile Catalog, they could go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. While it isn’t anything to phone home about exactly, the classic look on the outside will allay any misgivings. As long as owners aren’t expecting some excellent fuel economy, the 7-liter Ford Galaxie will please.

10 Lamborghini Aventador LP 730-4 SV

Lamborghini Aventador LP 730-4 SV : Pinterest
via Pinterest

One expects a lot of speed and noise to come out of a Lamborghini—though most probably wouldn’t expect ear-deafening. The Lamborghini Aventador LP740-4 SV comes with a powerful V12 engine, which according to Petrolhead Arabia, delivers precisely what the name promises: 740 hp.

These V12 engines—aside from making Aventadors racing forces to contend with—also make noise that will make heads spin. Ears will also hurt as a result of one of these going full throttle, which will be unpleasant for most except for a car enthusiast sitting behind the wheel. These are some of the loudest and fastest cars you won’t see coming.

9 Mercedes-Benz SSK

Mercedes-Benz SSK : Demo BKB
via Demo BKB

This classic car isn’t just noteworthy for looks—it’s also got a rip-roaring engine that’ll make ears ring. According to Jalopnik, a 7-liter supercharged engine lies underneath the hood, which is responsible for all the noise that follows a Mercedes-Benz SSK wherever it goes.

These cars may be old, yet no one should underestimate their performance for it. Those who look closely will recognize its familiar styling that resembles a piece in the popular Monopoly board game. They traditionally come with a spare tire or two on the back also, should a blowout ever occur while the engine screams along.

8 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio : Digital Trends
via Digital Trends

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is more than a mouthful of a name for a car—it’s a car that achieves beauty in both looks and performance. There’s little concern about the Giulia Quadrifoglio pleasing drivers from the expectation its exterior sets.

Although it doesn’t quite reach the CDC’s 85-decibel warning limit, it does manage to get loud enough to raise alarm. When the engine gets going, it sounds loud and can take a toll on one’s hearing too.

7 BMW E92 M3

BMW E92 M3 : AutoEvolution
via AutoEvolution

When certain cars get modified, the exhaust system’s sound goes beyond comprehension. According to BMW Car Tuning, a BMW E92 M3 is capable of going as high as 120 dB with an upgraded exhaust system. Off the production line though, this car is already a competent noise-maker.

For many drivers, the sound is just an afterthought. Many tuners and enthusiasts, on the other hand, value sound as much as speed, if not more so. Few cars offer as much ear-blasting sound as the BMW E92 M3 right out of the gate, surprising many who find it hard to accept it’s road legal.

6 Porsche Carrera GT

Porsche Carrera GT : RM Sotheby's
via RM Sotheby's

Car buyers are long familiar with Porsches for their excellence in performance and luxury. It’s no wonder the Carrera GT manages to fulfill both these criteria. Even more, it has an attention-seeking engine.

Jalopnik once speculated on whether it was the loudest road car in existence, putting this in the exact opposite category of something like an Audi A8 or Tesla Model S. Those cars are so quiet, they're worthy for spies. The Carrera GT is a different story entirely, with an exhaust right out of the factory many will find it hard to believe is completely legal. One thing’s for sure - it’s going to attract attention.

5 Lexus LC 500

Lexus LC 500 : Top Speed
via Top Speed

The Lexus LC 500 is a sportier car that packs a wallop in its V8 engine. Car and Driver reports that not only does it have a powerful engine and nice handling, but it makes a ruckus when driven at full throttle. They confirm that it can hit up to 88 dB through its V8 engine, which exceeds the CDC’s limit they warn of if exposed to that sound for a long period.

The styling also has something to offer, looking more like a supercar than it does a sedan. This is a noisy car that’s covered with a state-of-the-art exterior.

4 Porsche 911 Carrera S

Porsche 911 Carrera S :
via Robb Francis Sports Cars

The Porsche 911 Carrera S is a masterclass sports car that not only shines in looks but in pure generated noise from its engine. Equipped with what Edmunds confirms is an engine that can do 394 hp, this car has a lot to offer in speed. Even more, the performance gets backed up by a roaring sound that the same source notes that it goes as high as 94.2 dB.

That frequency is possible with the sport exhaust feature activated, which is the equivalent of letting an opera singer belt a solo unrestricted. This is not only a car enthusiast’s dream, but a powerhouse motor that can yell.