2024 Model 3 LR Test Drive

[Charl]

Took my trusty sound level app out on the Auckland motorway,
The 2024 car subjectively sounded quieter but only 2dB difference from my old Model 3P??
Then I asked MS Pilot (which intrudes on my PC) about this.

To compare 71 dB with 73 dB sound, we need to understand that decibels are a logarithmic scale of sound intensity. This means that every 10 dB increase corresponds to a 10-fold increase in sound power, or a 2-fold increase in sound pressure1. Therefore, 73 dB is about twice as loud as 71 dB, and 10 times louder than 63 dB.

Some examples of sounds that have around 71 dB and 73 dB are:

• 71 dB: Vacuum cleaner, toilet flushing, shower23
• 73 dB: Garbage disposal, alarm clock, diesel truck23

The difference between 71 dB and 73 dB may not seem significant, but prolonged exposure to sounds above 70 dB can cause hearing damage over time

 

[Gabe9170]

Yeah sound and decibels can be a little complex. Not your usual ohm's law type physics.

I had to learn this stuff about 15 years ago and always remembered the 3dB = double thing. On looking it up now that appears to be sound pressure/energy, and as you kind of allude, for humans a 10dB increase is a doubling of "perceived loudness".