Magnaflow vs Flowmaster vs Borla: Which Exhaust is Better? - The Road Insider (2024)

If you require an exhaust for your car, then you may come across a lot of brands. Among many of them, you will typically see 3 names in the list. They are Magnaflow, Flowmaster, and Borla. The reason is that all of these three exhausts come with excellent quality and performance.

Now, the dilemma here is choosing one of them for your particular needs. That’s why we will take you through a complete overview of these three exhausts that will surely help you choose one among them. So, without too much blabbering, let’s get into it.

Brand Overview

Before we go through the products, let’s go through the brands first.

Magnaflow Brand Overview

Magnaflow is a brand that specializes in providing the best possible exhaust for cars. They have been doing this for more than 35 years and have gained recognition through their commitment.

The simple goal of Magnaflow is to give their users the best quality, power, and sound they expect from mufflers and exhausts. With their exhausts and mufflers, you can hardly go wrong in terms of quality. The components they use to make each part are just too good to describe.

A very easy reason to rely on Magnaflow is their promise to deliver a lifetime warranty on their product. They get to do that because of the quality they put out in the market.

Flowmaster Brand Overview

With a promise to innovate and put out quality, Flowmaster has made a name for itself throughout the years. In their 38 years of journey, they came up with many commendable products to appeal to the users.

Whenever you need an exhaust or a muffler or air intake or any other parts, you can rely on Flowmaster for their quality. And with their innovative approach towards every product, you may end up with some cool features in some parts.

Their commitment is producing the highest quality automotive products and implementing the latest technologies in them.

Borla Brand Overview

When performance and sound are your concern for your exhausts and mufflers, Borla is your answer. They come up with the best kind of exhausts in the world that deliver top performance with incomparable sounds that will surely satisfy anyone craving those.

They achieve their goals through fine-tuning their products to absolute precision and create new standards for their quality. This has led them to be some of the most innovative automotive parts manufacturers in the US.

If you are ever having doubts about the durability and performance factor of exhaust, you can go with Borla with your eyes closed. You will never have any issues with these two factors; that is what they ensure all the time.

Which exhaust is Better? -Magnaflow Vs. Flowmaster Vs. Borla

Here is the big question: if they all are so great, how would you choose among them? Well, we will be very honest, choosing one of them will be very tough. However, some things come into play when you compare them. So, let’s dive into a bit of comparison among these.

Magnaflow

When it comes to Magnaflow performance-wise, they do pretty well. You get excellent sounds, a great boost in horsepower, a better gas mileage. Along with that, they are highly durable with proper maintenance.

An upper hand Magnaflow has over any other mufflers is the ease of installation. As they don’t come with many complicated parts, they are very easy to install. So, even if you are not equipped with mechanical knowledge, you can still install them.

As for the sounds, you will get a much lower and deeper growl coming from a Magnaflow muffler. This brand’s signature sound lets you differentiate between this one and any other muffler.

Lastly, the pricing on Magnaflow mufflers and exhausts is very competitive. It’s hard to put out prices like these with the level of quality and performance they bring in their products. So, all in all, you will get a very good deal once you opt for this exhaust system.

Flowmaster

The most attractive aspect of any Flowmaster muffler has to be the price they put for their products. Sometimes it will keep you wondering how they are putting out such quality with this kind of pricing. We are trying to say that Flowmaster is a choice if you are looking for something pocket-friendly.

Now, getting to the sounds of this muffler, you will get flawless sound every time. It comes with a heavy growl that should satisfy your need for a good-sounding muffler. And when your engine is sitting idle, you get to hear that purring to make you want this more.

These mufflers and exhaust don’t cost much, that doesn’t mean they are cheaply made. You still get great durability and quality materials on the mufflers. You can rely on these for lasting long enough for you to be content with their performance.

A cool thing about this one is the design that they bring. Many Flowmaster mufflers come with custom craftmanship that fits with perfect precision in your car without any trouble at all.

Borla

What makes Borla mufflers popular is their unique sound and performance aspect. You will get the richest muffler and exhaust sounds coming from these mufflers. Their low rumble can get the attention of anyone and let them know about the presence of Borla.

Aside from a rich sound, these exhaust systems come with durability like no one else. They provide a lifetime warranty on their products, solely relying on the fact that they are built to last. The parts they use in their mufflers mostly have T-304 grade stainless steel for durability.

With the addition of a Borla exhaust system in your car, you can expect a significant gain in horsepower. It can go up a least to 10% HP gain no matter what.

A crucial factor with Borla parts is their reliability. They have been doing these for more than 40 years and constantly getting better, which reassures you of their quality. You will never have to doubt the performance and quality coming from this company.

Well, as you can see, you can’t make a choice based on the quality of these mufflers. It will come down to the details of them. If you are looking for a budget-friendly, high-performance muffler, you have the Flowmaster with you.

If you are looking for the best sound and boost in performance, we would say you go for Borla. And if you want to enjoy the best of both worlds, something that’s not high-price neither lack performance, Magnaflow is a great choice to go with.

Or you can get down to the features of the individual models you go through. That can be a viable option to choose one easily.

FAQ

Here are the age-old questions people ask.

Is Flowmaster exhaust worth the money?

Answer:If you are looking for a surprising boost in the performance and sound, maybe it’s not worth the money. But if your car underperforms a lot, then going for Flowmaster may be worth it.

Is Borla exhaust worth the money?

Answer: They most definitely are worth the money you spend. Because you will have no dissatisfaction with the performance, quality, durability, or sound from this exhaust, so, you will get what you are paying for.

Is Magnaflow exhaust worth the money?

Answer:Magnaflow exhausts come with a lifetime warranty, good performance boost, decent sounds, and are priced very competitively. So, we would say they are worth the money.

Conclusion

In short, making choices always comes down to your preferences. Because you can’t see a clear winner among any of the exhausts here. Flowmaster wins when it comes to pricing, Borla wins when it comes to functionality and performance. And Magnaflow is just something in the middle of these two. So, when you choose one you have to consider what you prefer the most.

Magnaflow vs Flowmaster vs Borla: Which Exhaust is Better? - The Road Insider (2024)

FAQs

Whats better MagnaFlow or Borla? ›

In the battle between Borla vs MagnaFlow, Borla takes the crown. It not only delivers impressive sound but also excels in performance.

Which sounds better MagnaFlow or Flowmaster? ›

Magnaflow is better than Flowmaster when cold starting the car. However, on acceleration, Flowmaster's mufflers have more control. Magnaflow's mufflers dampen the sound too, but they are more prone to drone sounds when they degrade.

What's the difference between Flowmaster and MagnaFlow? ›

A Magnaflow exhaust features a straight-through, perforated design with stainless steel packing for maximum performance, while Flowmaster's chambered and laminar designs use specifically engineered angles to create tuned, consistent sound.

Is Magnaflow louder than Borla? ›

A local guy has the complete Magnaflow cat-back with headers and it isn't that loud. A Borla without headers is louder, and a Borla with headers is way louder. A Corsa is louder than the complete Magnaflow as well.

How much HP does Borla exhaust add? ›

Borla exhaust systems are designed to have the optimal diameters and low restriction flow that promote scavenging. The Borla R&D team performs dynamometer testing on new parts to ensure power gains. We frequently see gains in the 8 to 12 horsepower range, sometimes much higher.

What is the best sounding truck exhaust? ›

Best Overall

Flowmaster's muffler is an excellent choice for enhanced off-road performance on a high-horsepower truck. It features Delta deflectors for enhanced performance and reduced interior sound. Also, its deep and aggressive exhaust note makes it suitable for street and off-road driving.

What is the deepest sounding Flowmaster? ›

Flowmaster 942545 Super 44 Muffler

The Super 44 delivers a powerful rich tone and is the most aggressive, deepest sounding, highest performing four-inch case street muffler we've ever built!

What is the best sounding exhaust for a muscle car? ›

If you want the classic muscle car sound, a glasspack muffler is probably a good bet. However, if you're looking for more nuanced sounds – or you have neighbors with tender ears – a different style might suit you better. A chambered muffler is a style of reactive muffler.

How do I make my exhaust sound deeper? ›

CHEAP Ways To Make Your Car Sound Better - YouTube

Which muffler gives the most horsepower? ›

13 Great Performance Mufflers to Get the Most Out of Your Car
  • Magnaflow 4-Inch Stainless-Steel Performance Muffler. ...
  • Rogue Engineering IKON. ...
  • Agency Power Titanium Mufflers. ...
  • Dynomax Ultra Flo Muffler. ...
  • APEXi Universal Oval Single-Tip Muffler. ...
  • Akrapovic Titanium Slip-On Exhaust System for BMW M3.
Jun 29, 2016

Will MagnaFlow increase gas mileage? ›

the computer showed i averaged 20 mpg on highway and 14.5 in the city. i put on magna flow single in dual out flow through performance exhaust. my highway mileage dropped down to 18 mpg on highway and 13 in the city.

Does MagnaFlow get louder over time? ›

Magnaflow gets louder when warmed up, and over time, yes they begin to DRONE without repentance.

Is Corsa better than Borla? ›

Corsa Extreme VS Borla ATAK - Battle of the best exhaust ... - YouTube

How much horsepower will a MagnaFlow exhaust increase? ›

MagnaFlow, an aftermarket exhaust manufacturer, says that its customers can expect horsepower gains of around 10 percent (which is a pretty commonly-quoted figure).

Is BORLA S type too loud? ›

Not too loud but just enough to get everyones attention when you get into the throttle. At normal driving and idle it's very quiet. But you get on it and that's when the muffler comes into play. Amazing sound.

Will my Borla exhaust get louder? ›

It will sound deeper but never much louder.

How loud is MagnaFlow exhaust? ›

How loud is the Magnaflow Competition Catback exhaust ...

Do Flowmasters increase horsepower? ›

Less restrictive performance mufflers, such as Flowmaster 10-Series , along with the removal of resonators can yield an increase of up to 15-horsepower at the wheels. Removal of all mufflers and resonators will provide slightly greater increases but remember as the restrictions are removed the exhaust grows louder.

What is louder 2.5 or 3 inch exhaust? ›

3" should be louder than 2.5" if all parts are the same. If the muffler is raspy, you'll hear more rasp at 3".

Which muffler is the loudest? ›

The American Thunder Series Flowmaster muffler is Flowmaster's most aggressive-sounding muffler and is ideal for early muscle cars, off-road rides and dual exhaust cruisers. Or, for the deepest tone available for high-horsepower street cars, you can't beat the Flowmaster Super 40 Muffler.

What is better single or dual exhaust? ›

If you have dual exhaust tips to a single exhaust, your vehicle will look great, but it's not doing anything to increase power. Dual exhaust will give you a significant power increase because of the engine's ability to breathe better. Thus, if you are trying to increase horsepower, dual exhaust may be worth the cost.

How can I make my v8 sound better? ›

  1. Step 1: Replace the Muffler. Factory installed mufflers are designed to absorb as much sound as possible. ...
  2. Step 2: Add or Replace Exhaust Tip. An exhaust tip is an inexpensive addition that is plug and play. ...
  3. Step 3: Have the Exhaust Tubing Evaluated. ...
  4. Step 4: Consider a Turbocharger.
Jan 27, 2012

Are Flowmasters good mufflers? ›

In short, relative to a straight pipe and no muffler, the Magnaflow-style mufflers (the ones you could see through from end to end) fared the best, the turbo mufflers fared the worst, and the chambered Flowmaster-style mufflers did only slightly better than turbo mufflers.

Which is louder Flowmaster 40 or 50 series? ›

You are correct. The 40 series are louder.

Which Flowmaster is the loudest? ›

Looking for The Loudest Flowmaster

Flowmaster has different series of mufflers that you can choose from such as the 70 Series Big Block, the 50 Series Delta Flow, Super 44, Super 40, and Super 10. But out of all the Flowmaster series, the Super 10 Series is viewed to have the loudest tone.

Are Glasspacks louder than Flowmaster? ›

Glasspacks will be louder than most of the flowmasters.

What do glasspack mufflers sound like? ›

Cherry Bomb® Glasspack vs. Straight Exhaust Pipe - Sound Comparison

Can you put Flowmasters on any car? ›

While most sporty cars have the ability to pass sedans, Flowmasters give you the ability to pass almost any vehicle on the road. Not only will you be able to pass them, you'll also pass them at the gas station more and more. Flowmasters can also help you save money by increasing your miles per gallon.

What does an H pipe do for exhaust? ›

"An H-pipe tends to make more of a difference at lower rpm, while-X pipes will increase power more at higher rpm. As you can imagine, just by looking at each configuration, in the H-pipe the exhaust has to make a sharp 90-degree turn, while the X-pipe offers a smoother transition," he says.

How can I make my truck sound deeper and louder? ›

If you want to know how to make a truck louder, consider these routes.
  1. Headers. Instead of keeping the restrictive exhaust manifold your truck, swap that for a set of headers. ...
  2. Mid Pipes. Aftermarket mid pipes make a far greater impact on your truck's sound output. ...
  3. Catbacks. ...
  4. Air Intakes. ...
  5. Forced Induction. ...
  6. Sample Some Sounds.
Jul 20, 2022

How can I make my car sound like a v8? ›

How to Make Your Normal Car Sound Like A Ferrari - YouTube

Where Can I drill a hole in a muffler to make it louder? ›

Exhaust Mod on a whole new level of dumb works surprisingly well...

How do I make my exhaust crackle? ›

How to Make Your EXHAUST CRACKLE and POP - YouTube

How do I choose the right exhaust for my car? ›

The type of exhaust you have will determine what muffler you need. If your vehicle has a single exhaust, then you need a single muffler. If your vehicle has a double exhaust, then you need a double muffler.

Does a slip on exhaust increase horsepower? ›

Slip-on mufflers won't improve horsepower or performance. Slip-ons are mostly for decoration and noise enhancement. Installation on some bikes may require bodywork done by a professional at a shop.

What car mods improve gas mileage? ›

Top Power and Mileage Mods You Can Do in a Day
  • Cold-Air Intake. ...
  • After-Cat Exhaust. ...
  • Headers. ...
  • Distributor Upgrade/Ignition Timing. ...
  • Carburetor Swap. ...
  • Intake Manifold. ...
  • Ignition Coil/Plug Gap. ...
  • Fuel Injection.
Apr 2, 2016

Does a bigger exhaust use more fuel? ›

If you are always running your engine at high rpm (for example if you are racing) then you may benefit from a larger exhaust. You will get poorer fuel economy, lose low end power and your maximum torque may be reduced but you'll gain high end power.

Does adding dual exhaust increase gas mileage? ›

Increment in fuel economy

Interestingly, using a dual exhaust increases the fuel economy of your vehicle and makes sure it has enough energy to sustain the car. The dual exhaust reduces the strain being put on the engine, so car power can be utilized on other tasks.

Whats better magnaflow or Borla? ›

In the battle between Borla vs MagnaFlow, Borla takes the crown. It not only delivers impressive sound but also excels in performance.

What sounds better Magnaflow or Flowmaster? ›

Magnaflow is better than Flowmaster when cold starting the car. However, on acceleration, Flowmaster's mufflers have more control. Magnaflow's mufflers dampen the sound too, but they are more prone to drone sounds when they degrade.

Do Magnaflow mufflers have a break in period? ›

MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust - FAQ, Frequently Asked Questions. Question: Do muffler's have an initial break in period? Answer: Muffler's have an initial break-in period of a few hundred miles to which they will become slightly louder and deeper in tone.

Is Borla a good exhaust? ›

With more than 25 years of experience, Borla knows a thing or two about high-quality exhaust parts. Every Borla performance part is crafted from T-304 stainless steel, making them durable enough to survive even the harshest conditions.

Is Borla exhaust loud? ›

It is not as loud as the Muffler delete. It is louder than stock especially when getting on it. Cruising it is pretty quiet, so it Growls on command.

Is Corsa better than Borla? ›

Corsa Extreme VS Borla ATAK - Battle of the best exhaust ... - YouTube

Who owns Magnaflow? ›

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