Originally Posted by
jrl767
in urban environments with a *LOT* of ambient noise -- such as a shopping center near the airport -- one's perception of the relative intensity of the jet's noise is exceedingly subjective ... from a strictly technical standpoint, the jet's Effective Perceived Noise Decibels (EPNdB, the unit of measure for noise) are related to engine thrust and flap setting, both of which can vary for landing depending on aircraft weight
there's no way anyone could authoritatively or consistently say "yes" or "no" to answer OP's question
I don't see how ambient noise enters into this (much), I'm essentially very near the end of the runway, the planes are maybe 1000 ft at this point. (I'm essentially standing in a parking lot. Most of the vehicles are parked, hence very little 'ambient noise' at all).
The 737 and A320 are very similar in size and capacity, give or take. So, my question could be rephrased as this: All other things being equal, are engines on the 737 noisier than a similarly configured (and similar capacity) A320 on final approach, at 1000 feet, standing directly underneath???
I suppose it's more of a question about the aircraft's engines, not the aircraft per se.