The noise that a car engine makes is one of the most important aspects of enjoyment when driving, as it adds a layer of drama and excitement that nicely seasons the feedback the vehicle gives you through the steering wheel, seat, and pedals. Some of the best-sounding cars on earth, such as various Ferrari and Lamborghini models, feature large V8s, V10s, and V12s, but these can be costly to run and maintain.

The trusty V6 has also been known to kick out an addictive engine note, and is also cheaper to maintain. Here are ten used vehicles that provide an intoxicating song from beneath the hood that you should consider saving up for.

10

1999 Ford Contour SVT

Used Value: $1,874

We start with the cheapest car on this list, the 1999 Ford Contour SVT. Essentially the US version of the Ford Mondeo, which was sold primarily in Europe, the Contour was treated to a range of performance-boosting modifications such as stiffer suspension, new front anti-roll bars, and a more powerful version of Ford’s 2.5-liter Duratec V6. Not only could the V6 power the Contour to 60 mph in a solid 7.5 seconds, it also sounded the part.

The aggressive engine note made it easier to make use of the full 6,625 rpm of grunt, simply due to it being so tough to allow the engine to quiet down.

Discussion

Which Engine Would You Pick If You Could Only Pick One?

There’s not an engine on this list that we wouldn’t all gladly take, but if you could pick one and only one, which would you choose, and why?

– Lamborghini Revuelto’s 6.5-liter NA V12 PHEV

– Ferrari SF90 Stradale’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 PHEV

– GMA T.50’s 3.9-liter NA Cosowrth V12

– Czinger 21C’s 2.9-liter twin-turbo V8

– Pagani Utopia’s 6.0-liter twin-turbo AMG V12

– McLaren 750S’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8

– Ferrari 12Cilindri’s 6.5-liter NA V12

– Ford Mustang GTD’s 5.2-liter supercharged V8

– Aston Martin Valkyries 6.5-liter NA Cosworth V12 Hybrid

– Koenigsegg Jesko’s 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8

 

9

2004 Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG

Used Value: $5,652

Despite coming with a good chunk less power than its V8-powered C55 sibling, the C32 AMG could match it in terms of outright pace, and beat it in terms of efficiency. This was due to its lighter, supercharged 3.2-liter V6 lump placed under the hood, which combined the meaty six-cylinder engine note with a seasoning of supercharger whine, and who doesn’t want that in their life?

Fortunately, depreciation means you can have the AMG-tuned sedan, which also features beefed-up underpinnings to improve its agility, for less than $6,000 on the used market.

8

2010 Nissan 370Z

Used Value: $13,294

The 2010 Nissan 370Z represents a hell of a lot of car for the money, considering the coupe features a ton of standard equipment that makes it an excellent daily driver, as well as a powerful naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 engine. The VQ37 unit is not only dependable, but it’s also one of the best-sounding six-cylinder powerplants the Japanese brand has ever developed, with its note being made up of a smooth undertone with a topping of aggression as you climb the revs. Its 332 hp power figure will also allow the tires to express themselves should you get a little aloof with the right pedal.

Bring along a form of aftermarket exhaust, and you’ll have an affordable tuner that can wake the dead.

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7

1995 Alfa Romeo 164 Quadrafoglio

Used Value: $15,900

Arguably the prettiest car on this list, the legendary 3.0-liter Busso V6 featured in the 1995 Alfa Romeo 164 QV is also one of the best-sounding V6 engines ever produced. It’s also potentially the best-looking, due to its chromed inlet pipes that sit proud on the front of the unit. Its raspy engine note will stop you in your tracks, and can be heard long after it screams past. Opt for a Q4 version, which adds a traction-boosting all-wheel-drive system, and you’ll have a practical Italian sedan that sounds like an angel. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to us.

6

2018 Ford Taurus SHO

Used Value: $20,308

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 featured in the 2011 Ford Taurus SHO kicks out a slightly more muted note as standard, though its bassy tone ensures it’s an attractive one. Treating the unit to a free-flowing exhaust will help bring it to life, but get the window down, and you’ll also be able to pick up a bit of induction noise from the twin-turbos working hard under the hood.

With a 0-60 mph capability of 5.2 seconds and a sporty suspension package that affords a more engaging drive than the stock model, the Taurus SHO will bring some much-needed excitement to your Monday morning cruise to work. It even retains the well-equipped and practical cabin of a normal range-topping Taurus, making it a daily with attitude.

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5

2020 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT

Used Value: $20,392

While buying a Camaro with a V6 may feel like having a starter, but skipping the main course, the enhanced efficiency afforded by it makes it much more usable on a day-to-day basis. Besides, the 3.6-liter V6 it utilizes emits a great raspy sound that gives a good contrast to the bassier tones other V6s provide, like the ones featured in the 370Z and Taurus SHO. It’s not exactly a slouch either, given it’ll still hit 60 mph in five seconds flat. The 2020 Camaro also nicely combines usable handling with an engaging feel, making it an excellent daily performance car that won’t break the bank.

4

2018 Jaguar F-Type

Used Value: $25,526

The sleek Jaguar F-Type is available with a range of powerplants to suit a variety of budgets, with the mid-range options coming with a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 powerplant. The V6 outputs a typically silky-smooth Jaguar-like engine note, but with the added spice brought by the big supercharger that helps boost grunt to 340 hp. There’s also a version available with a tweaked 380 hp version of the engine, and it can also be had with all-wheel drive. The stylish coupe is also surprisingly affordable, with good-used examples available for around $25,000 these days.

3

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrafoglio

Used Value: $29,692

The Alfa Romeo Giulia QV is one of the most exhilarating and effective sports sedans ever made, with its 50:50 weight distribution and aluminum engine/body combo ensuring it’s impressively light on its feet. It even comes with a trick active suspension setup that can alter the vehicle’s stiffness to best deal with whatever road it’s tackling, making it an absolute steal at the $30,000 mark you can now buy one for.

Its twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 isn’t exactly a shrinking violet either, with its angry engine note quickly communicating that it means business. With 505 hp being channeled to the rear wheels, it won’t take you long to find out the Giulia QV has the bite to go with its bark.

2

2013 Lotus Evora S

Used Value: $51,570

Wanting to ensure its Evora GT car would be relaxing, reliable, and potent, Lotus decided to borrow the supercharged 2GR-FE V6 unit from Toyota, which normally called the likes of plush Lexus and Toyota’s home. Lotus’ engineers decided to work on it further though, with the intelligent lot able to extract a meaty 345 hp from it. It sounds pretty throaty too, with the deep-noted V6 being nicely complemented by the whine of its supercharger.

When combined with the Evora’s comfy but refreshingly agile handling, you’ll find yourself unable to return home as quickly as you planned.

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1

1992 Acura NSX

Used Value: $63,100

When it comes to an engaging drive, few V6-powered cars come close to the experience offered by the legendary Honda NSX. The Japanese brand’s drivable supercar comes fully loaded with a high-revving 3.0-liter V6, which comes rocking Honda’s awesome VTEC system. Indeed, the addictive note of the V6 continues to get louder all the way to 8,000 rpm, before you need to change gear and experience the thrill all over again.

It may cost a fair bit of cash to get a good one, given its collectability, but the sound of its six-cylinder powerplant alone will be enough to keep a smile plastered on your face long after you pay it off.

Sources: Acura, Alfa Romeo, Chevrolet, Ford, Lotus, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan