Bob_Young

Hi,
New here.

Interested in upgrading to a V6 coupe from an '11 Focus as a daily driver. One of my main complaints with the Focus is a lot of road noise. Other than that, good car; and I can't complain about the 40mpg it gets in warm weather.

Today I drove a base-level coupe with automatic. I thought it was just as noisy as the Focus and wasn't too happy with it. Seemed like a combination of road, engine and transmission (automatic) noise.

Once I left the dealership I started wondering if the premium coupes were quieter. I can recall earlier experiences with F150s where the base models had a lot less sound-proofing than the XLTs. Wondering if the same thing's going on here.

I'd be interested in hearing from someone who has driven both the base and premium coupes and whether they noticed any difference in noise level. If I make this change I'd prefer stick shift, but the dealership does have a premium with automatic that I might consider.

Thanks.
Bob

defiance

As far as I know there are no insulation differences in any models. Just appearance.

Meester_Vapor

You could always chuck 50 pounds of Dynamat into it. You wouldn't hear a thing.

bryan95502

I have a 05 V6 and I was at a junk yard the other day and saw a 08 Shelby with all of the interior out.. not sure if it's the year or the fact it's a Shelby, but there was a lot more insulation at the firewall.

Mine has foam the Shelby had jute like on the back of carpets. It looked thicker
I saw more insulation in the quarter trim area below the window and more insulation in the trunk side panels

rbowmar

You could go talk to the part guy and find out if there are differences in the construction. OR just get a louder set of pipes and you won't even hear the rest of it. Problem Solved!

2011V6Conv

I doubt a v6 premium is quieter than a base one.
But you don't move from a focus to a mustang to get a quieter ride...

audioAl

Your right, these 11-12 3.7 DOHC ponies are "Hot Rods"!

Bob_Young

You've got a point there. However, with the Mustang there would be good reason for the noise.

Anyway, I just put a new set of tires on the Focus (19K miles) and appear to have solved the noise problem. The Hankook Optimos it came with still had plenty of tread, but one was giving repeated problems from a road hazard problem that occurred a year ago...the plug failed. Debated repairing again, one new tire, or all four new.

Since I thought the Optimos were loud, I opted for all four and ended up with a nice quiet Focus. Went to Mastercraft Avengers by Cooper. Got better handling and ride to boot. Gas mileage appeared to take a hit, but not so sure now as it's about what it was before. Looks like a winner.

Anyway, in the process of looking around, I came across a '13 V6 Premium Coupe with stick and the Pony Package that I can't get out of my mind. Do Mustangs come with crappy tires that need to be changed out? I feel kind of stupid for putting up with the Optimos as long as I did.

2011V6Conv

Am not an expert but my stock ones are pretty good for dd and occasional fun ride. If you're looking to take it to track or ride it more aggressive, I assume they will not be that great