Eli5: why do sport bikes/cars sound different to normal ones even at the same speeds?

Question

Eli5: why do sport bikes/cars sound different to normal ones even at the same speeds?

In: 0

Answer 1

Tuned exhausts.

Sports cars and high performance motorcycles have exhausts which are designed to resonate like a wind instrument at at specific engine speeds. This reduces back pressure at the exhaust valve so the piston needs to work less to expel exhaust.

Their very function causes tuned exhaust systems to be acoustically distinct from regular exhaust systems.