Which Sounds Better: A Cross-Plane Or Flat-Plane V8?

We generally think of V8 engines as burbly, growly affairs. But, not all V8s sound like that, and it’s all down to the crankshaft. Before we get into which sounds best though, let’s take a look at what’s going on behind the scenes.

Traditionally, a V8 is fitted with a cross-plane crankshaft, giving a left, right, left, left, right, left, right, right firing order that’s uneven across the two cylinder banks. That’s what makes the whole burble thing happen.

A flat-plane crank V8 on the other hand gives an ‘even’ left, right, left, right firing order. It does without the counterweights found on a cross-plane V8, meaning the crank has a lower rotational mass. That’s a good thing, since it results in a lighter engine that can rev faster and higher, but it does result in more vibration and a lack of dat burble.

There are plenty of people who prefer the more ‘screaming’ nature of the flat-plane. But which do you prefer?

The two videos at the top of the page feature the strongest sides of each argument: the flat-plane Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, and the cross-plane Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale. To make things even more interesting, the Maserati’s V8 is related to the successor of the engine found in the 360, which swapped out the Ferrari’s flat-plane crank for a cross plane.

Have a good listen to both, then cast your vote!