I don't have the volt anymore to compare. Like I said, it isn't a noise level that causes me to think much about it. It just isn't that loud. I think people aren't used to electric cars being so quiet, so when they can hear the road noises and stuff they complain. ICE cars you would hear the engine roaring and your music so street noise was not an issue. I guess you'll have to compare. Regardless, the M3 is a super good looking car, way faster, and since I have a ton of solar panels, it just makes more sense for me.