AYDU , maybe it's both . The last time we test drove one with the C.V.T. it seemed to be quieter . She too thought so . Took it on an interstate that's 65 and up a fairly steep hill . Still can't get the other 1/2 to jump on the MIRAGE band wagon . She says it's too loud and handles poorly . Also wants to see how it depreciates and what the dependability is . Wonder if a true synthetic such as AMSOIL Signature Series 0w-20 ( http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produc...?code=ASMQT-EA ) or REDLINE 0w-20 would help tame it . Anyone want to enlist for that experiment ?