Okay, engines aren’t really what these cars are about.

Mazda’s MX-5, Abarth’s 124 Spider, and Subaru’s BRZ deliver thrills in a different way to burly rear-drivers from Australia or Germany. But we still care what they sound like.

That’s why during a recent comparison we lined up the three cheap rear-drivers for a sound off video. The first to clear its throat was Subaru’s BRZ.

The brand’s boxer-four is popular for the configuration’s signature off-beat rumble. Especially in turbocharged form.

Subaru brz engine

Whether that’s added bite to its bark is up for debate but there’s no doubting the Abarth 124 Spider belts out a mean war cry.

As the Mazda’s Italian cousin the Spider certainly plays to the country’s reputation for shouty, dramatic sportscars.

2016 fiat 124 spider engine

Blowing spent gases through a Garret turbocharger and then out an Abarth sports exhaust system the engine plays a tune both wicked and guttural.

It’s the main point of difference to its donor, Mazda’s MX-5. We’ve brought along Mazda’s 2.0-litre variant, forgoing the 1.5-litre, to keep up with the Subaru and Abarth on price.

Mazda mx-5 20 litre engine

Of course this is all up for debate. This video’s no Hollywood production; we recorded the three with an iPhone at a dragstrip. But it’s good enough for you to make a call on which you think sounds best.

Drop your two cents in the comment box below.