Where to find cabin noise levels [need a quiet car]

thisonetaken

For every car? Does such a list exist? Tried googling it but couldn't find a comprehensive list.

Atlantis50

which.co.uk car reviews do this test for cars they review but I'm not aware of a single list summarising all of the results.

For example, for the 2005-2011 Ford Focus, see the "Refinement and Noise" section on page 3:

http://www.which.co.uk/resources/pdf/car-reviews/ford-focus-2005-2011.pdf

You'd need to subscribe at a cost for some of their reviews but a good few can be found for free by searching filetype:pdf which.co.uk [car name] on Google.

Sh1tbag OToole

Borrow a decibel-o-meter off someone. Cabin noise level probably only applies with the stock tyres fitted. If it has ditchfinders it will add a few decibels

Stoolbend

As above. Tyres will make such a difference that the best car with bad tyres will be worse than the worst car with good tyres.

What cars are you looking at and people might be able to give you some advice.

biko

Smartphones can install decibel meter apps.

Why do you need this info? Just curious or does it have a bearing on your car purchase?

Eric Cartman

I doubt youll get actual figures on most sites, youll have to test drive , but in general to point you in the right direction , european cars , on good tyres will be your best bet . Petrols will be quieter than diesels and the higher end the better,

Not sure what type of car your looking for but the E class mercedes is one of the quieter cabins ive ever been in.

thisonetaken

biko wrote: »

Smartphones can install decibel meter apps.

Why do you need this info? Just curious or does it have a bearing on your car purchase?

I'm going to be buying a car soon and want to make sure the next one I buy is fairly quiet. Cabin noise makes a big difference to how you feel after a long journey so want one as quiet as I can possibly afford. My current car is very noisy (it's a 2000 reg) and if I want to listen to the radio I have to put the volume up very loud to hear it, so after a long journey I usually end up with a headache. I want a car that's quiet, smooth and comfortable to drive and an automatic, so thinking of a Mercedes clk. I like the merc e class but think it's probably too big for my needs. Think bmws tend to be not as smooth as mercs but open to correction? Might also consider the Audi A5 coupe but not sure how comfortable that is?

biko

Tbh, you need to test drive and see for yourself.
Yes, some cars are more quiet than other but tyre noise, squeaks, age etc can all change that.

Here is your list, with a decibel meter
http://elevatingsound.com/the-top-30-quietest-cars-a-cabin-noise-test-by-auto-bild/

Eric Cartman

thisonetaken wrote: »

I'm going to be buying a car soon and want to make sure the next one I buy is fairly quiet. Cabin noise makes a big difference to how you feel after a long journey so want one as quiet as I can possibly afford. My current car is very noisy (it's a 2000 reg) and if I want to listen to the radio I have to put the volume up very loud to hear it, so after a long journey I usually end up with a headache. I want a car that's quiet, smooth and comfortable to drive and an automatic, so thinking of a Mercedes clk. I like the merc e class but think it's probably too big for my needs. Think bmws tend to be not as smooth as mercs but open to correction? Might also consider the Audi A5 coupe but not sure how comfortable that is?

I think youd be surprised at the refinement of the bmw , but the clk and the a5 ahould be great choices , make sure you test drive one that doesnt have massive 22" wheels or cheap chinese tyres , one sitting on 18" or 19" wheels with premium rubber should be a good measure, id give the bmw 6 series a go if your thinking clk / a5 , very refined machines.

I like them all but i think the merc would ge the quietest.

thisonetaken

Eric Cartman wrote: »

I think youd be surprised at the refinement of the bmw , but the clk and the a5 ahould be great choices , make sure you test drive one that doesnt have massive 22" wheels or cheap chinese tyres , one sitting on 18" or 19" wheels with premium rubber should be a good measure, id give the bmw 6 series a go if your thinking clk / a5 , very refined machines.

I like them all but i think the merc would ge the quietest.

Yeah I love the look of the bmw 6 series but the engine is too big for my needs. The clk is prob my least favourite of the 3 in terms of looks but it ticks most of the boxes for me otherwise, so think I will choose either the clk or A5 unless anyone else has other suggestions. Thanks for all the replies.

Eric Cartman

thisonetaken wrote: »

Yeah I love the look of the bmw 6 series but the engine is too big for my needs. The clk is prob my least favourite of the 3 in terms of looks but it ticks most of the boxes for me otherwise, so think I will choose either the clk or A5 unless anyone else has other suggestions. Thanks for all the replies.

Id say the 3 series but lower down that range you may find the soundproofing isnt as good, give it a drive though.