And we never really hear what our car sounds like unless we are running through a tunnel or, heaven forbid, watching someone else drive off with our Vette. I run stock on my vert and still cannot fully appreciate the sound. Just about everyone else tells me it is "loud" if I do a sling shot off the start but I don't get to hear it because that is in back of me.
I think the main attraction is that we all like to personalize our cars so that they are more "one off" rather than off the lot. Gives us something to jabber about over a hot chocolate.
Plus if you go in to the menu there is an option for sound. I set mine to track. Don't know if it makes a difference as, as I said, it is behind me.