Axle-Back vs. Cat-Back Exhaust: Which performs the best?

What are the differences between Axle-back and Cat-back exhaust? Which is best in terms of both sound and performance?

You can make your vehicle sound more sporty or aggressive and augment its performance a tad bit by installing the aftermarket exhaust systems. However, the dilemma is whether you should opt for an axle-back or cat-back exhaust system.

These two refer to the sections of the exhaust system. While a cat-back exhaust system refers to a section of exhaust from catalytic converters to tips, axle-back refers to the area of exhaust located physically behind the rear axles of care.

The distinction between the two can be muddling. However, you ought to know the differences to decide what is suitable for your vehicle. 

Read on to know the features and benefits of the two exhausts and choose whichever seems better.

Axle-Back Exhaust Systems

Axle-back exhausts supplant everything from the rear back. They incorporate the exhaust tips, muffler, and in some cases, a tiny section of piping. 

Though an axle-back exhaust replaces stock muffler and tips, these systems don’t add to the performance much. However, the installation of the axle-back kit is more straightforward.

Benefits:

  • Easy installation
  • Affordable
  • Provides deep, full-throttle sound
  • Modifies sound quality

Cat-Back Exhaust Systems

This exhaust is quite popular in terms of adding aftermarket performance to vehicles. These replace everything from the catalytic converter to the tips. Cat-back exhausts include intermediate pipe that runs out of catalytic converter, muffler, and tailpipe.

They impart moderate horsepower, sound, and torque improvements. Besides, you don’t need to overspend on a new catalytic converter.

Benefits:

  • Modifies sound and improves performance.
  • Lowers overall weight of the vehicle.
  • Easy installation
  • Provides an aggressive exterior tone.
  • Versatile and gives more power.

Cat-Back or Axle-Back – Which is Better?

Axle-back exhausts are favored in cases where you want to increase overall volume and produce more aggressive sound. They are quicker in installation and economical.

Additionally, they give you flexibility for future exhaust mods. You can choose to select your exhaust system pieces. They are more profound and loud than stock exhausts.

On the other hand, cat backs produce deeper sound instead of loud and are more costly than Axle backs. This exhaust system upgrade will, however, improve sound, appearance, and performance altogether. It imparts more horsepower owing to replaced stock accessories. 

Moreover, since the converter is not being replaced in the cat-back exhaust system, they are mostly not illegal. They are available with wide varieties of exhaust volumes.

Final Words

While axle backs impart flexibility and allow your vehicle to have that sporty sound, cat backs provide a deeper sound with enhanced performance. There are some other methods too to make your car louder.

Be that as it may, you should know about your local noise regulations and cling to them. Axle backs, since they provide ‘aggressive’ sound, installing them could be illegal. Cat backs, on the other hand, are primarily legal to use. Moreover, don’t forget to take a look at these most wanted comparisons: 

In this article, we have broken down the benefits and differences between the two systems. But, in the end, the choice is yours. You can choose the right exhaust system according to your vehicle build-up.

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