Hey, l just bought a 93 subaru legacy 4cyl.

The engine is significantly louder then any car ive had.
Ive had mufflers go out, and it doesnt completely have that low BAHHHHHsound like a failed exhaust system does, but is still pretty loud and doesnt pull from the power of the vehicle at all. Are these engines just loud or what?
all sound comes from the engine, and not any area in the exhaust piping, there are also no leaks in the piping

If you're not used to it l guess it can be a little louder than regular car. The exhaust ports shoot straight down onto the road so the sound echoes right off the ground. In a conventional car the sound is muffled a little in the engine bay.

Subaru 4 cyl. engines are not loud at all. l have 2. Sounds like an exhaust defect or leaky/cracked manifold.

l think they have less sound insulation for weight savings too

The answer depends on what part of it you're calling loud..Suabru boxer engines will naturally be louder by design.. they are, after all, modified aircraft engines.. if left unmuffled, will sound pretty much like an old VW bug.. that uneven 'rumble'..if the engine taps when cold.. that points to low oil supply pressure.. which on a 93, at any mileage above 100K, u should seriously be looking into an oil pump replacement, & a timing belt, if not already done.. ( due at 105K on DOHC engines (including turbos), 120K on SOHC non-turbos.. l will tell u hey r naturally louder than most engine designs, but there r simple things to keep in mind if you're lacking power..keep ur air filter clean.. every 20K.. regardless how it looks..fuel filter.. every 12 K.. l did mine once a year, & there was a noticeable increase in power.. & clean the throttle body..same time as the air filter.. smooths out idle & driveability..and lastly, if yours has one (not all Scoobs do) clean the MAF sensor.. on the outlet pipe to the throttle body.. goes a long way to increasing mileage & power.. l picked up 2 mpg from this alone.