If you’re in the market for high-quality exhaust systems, you’ll likely encounter Borla and MagnaFlow.
Borla and MagnaFlow are two of the best exhaust systems money can buy. They both deliver big power gains, improved fuel economy, and throaty growls that’ll make you whistle in appreciation. But if compared head-to-head, which brand reigns supreme?
In this Borla vs MagnaFlow review, we break down the similarities and differences between the brands. Which exhaust system should you get? Let’s find out!
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BORLA 40842S Specialty Universal Performance Muffler 2.5" Center Inlet /... | VIEW ON AMAZON |
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MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust Muffler 11225: 2.25"/2.25" Inlet/Outlet,... | VIEW ON AMAZON |
Brief Overview of Borla
Founded in 1979, Borla, officially known as Borla Performance Industries, is an American motor parts company that specializes in exhaust systems. It’s the preferred choice for luxury cars such as Rolls-Royce and Ferrari.
Along with cutting-edge designs and superior craftsmanship, Borla only uses the highest quality materials available for its exhaust systems. Unlike most exhausts, which are made with aluminized 409 steel or 400-series steel, Borla’s products are made of 100% austenitic stainless steel.
Although Borla’s exhaust systems cost higher than most, the amount of work the company puts into its products is plain as day. Moreover, the company offers a 1 million-mile warranty for their exhaust systems and lifetime warranties for their mufflers.
Pros
- High-quality product
- Custom-made for your engine.
- Signature “Borla” sound
- Offers a million-mile warranty
Cons
- Not the most affordable
MagnaFlow Overview
For over 35 years, MagnaFlow has specialized in performance exhaust technology. It’s currently one of the biggest and most trustworthy exhaust system manufacturers across the globe.
MagnaFlow produces a variety of products for cars, motorcycles, trucks, racing equipment, and more. Apart from exhaust systems, the company offers mufflers, catalytic converters, builder parts, and apparel (i.e., sunglasses, headwear, drinkware, and others).
Unlike its competitors, MagnaFlow doesn’t use a lot of parts in its exhaust systems. For this reason, MagnaFlow exhausts are incredibly easy to install. It’s often the preferred choice for individuals who aren’t mechanically inclined.
Most of MagnaFlow’s exhaust products are warranted against material defects and blowouts. It has a lifetime warranty on carbon fiber systems, stainless steel systems, and stainless steel mufflers, and a one-year warranty on black finish systems and titanium finish systems.
Pros
- Top-grade stainless steel quality
- Improve vehicle’s horsepower by 10-15%
- Ideal for mid-sized vehicles and trucks
- Easy to install
- Relatively affordable
- Offers a lifetime warranty in certain models
Cons
- Degradation causes excessive vibrations, drone sounds, and emissions of black smoke
Borla vs MagnaFlow: Head-to-Head Comparison
To be frank, the differences between Borla and MagnaFlow systems are minimal. But for some people, these differences make or break the product. Let’s take a look:
Sound
Borla exhaust systems are louder than MagnaFlow systems.
MagnaFlow exhausts aren’t designed to produce a lot of noise. They generate a whirling or whizzing sound more than anything. When idle, they’ll produce an attractive deep gurgle sound that isn’t too intrusive or loud.
Borla exhausts are loud but in a good way.
They come in three different noise levels: the ATAK (Acoustically-Tuned Applied Kinetics), which is the loudest muffler the company has to offer; the S-Type, the middle ground, which is neither too loud nor too silent; and the Touring, which sings, but only when you’re pushing.
Borla exhausts are structured with a proper cat-back setup. The pipe connects the muffler to the catalytic converter and the exhaust tip, thus improving airflow and the sound the car emits.
So, if you want an exhaust system that produces a lot of sounds, Borla is the better choice. MagnaFlow produces a mid-range sound; it’s not too loud but not too quiet, either.
Technology
The guys and gals at Borla don’t kid around with their technology.
To form the harmonically-pleasing chords generated by their exhaust systems, the company uses a unique mathematical formula and organ tuning to achieve the signature “Borla” sound.
Currently, Borla uses Polyphonic and SwitchFire technologies in their products.
The Polyphonic technology features pipes of different diameters and length to create a rich, full-bodied sound for Borla mufflers. The SwitchFire technology, on the other hand, creates a sweeter, more balanced sound from the V engine, resulting in a 2-5% increase in power in the bank’s pulse.
MagnaFlow’s technology reduces exhaust back pressure caused by heat build-up. The straight-through design allows the system to run cooler and last longer.
Furthermore, MagnaFlow exhausts are equipped with acoustical absorbing material to dampen annoying exhaust frequencies, thus maintaining a rich, powerful performance tone.
While both technologies are impressive, Borla takes the win in this category. MagnaFlow offers a fantastic sound and technology, but to be honest, it’s not that much different from other premium brands.
Construction
Borla exhaust systems are built to almost perfection. It’s constructed with aerospace-grade T-304 stainless steel, making them much more durable and rust-resistant than other exhaust systems. Borla exhaust systems are custom-made to fit the year, make, and model of your car.
MagnaFlow doesn’t disappoint in construction, either. The company spent the last two decades building some of the highest-quality performance exhaust systems on the market. Its performance mufflers are made of 100% polished stainless steel, which is lap-joint welded for rugged reliability and solid construction.
In addition, MagnaFlow features a free-flowing, straight-through perforated core, acoustical fiberfill, and stainless mesh wrap to ensure longevity and no sound degradation.
When it comes to construction, you can’t go wrong with either model. Both are designed for long-term use and praised for their durability.
Performance
MagnaFlow and Borla improve the car’s horsepower and overall performance.
Borla exhaust systems, in particular, promote scavenging by adding optimal diameters and low restriction flow into the product. This results in horsepower gains in the 8 to 12 HP range, sometimes higher.
MagnaFlow improves the car’s HP through the quick expulsion of air. This allows the engine to run quicker and more efficiently, since it has less workload to take care of.
In general, the expected gains of MagnaFlow exhausts fall at an average range of 10%, which is just about the same as Borla.
Conclusion
In the battle between Borla vs MagnaFlow, Borla takes the crown. It not only delivers impressive sound but also excels in performance. Borla’s Polyphonic and SwitchFire technologies generate glorious symphonies that don’t appear in any other exhaust system, including MagnaFlow.