Stupid question, is there a benefit to side exit exhaust?

[Titan_Bow]

I have a set of RokBlox mudflaps coming, and I noticed they said they wont work with the TRD OR side exhaust. I have a Venture and its got a lot of the TRD stuff on it, so I was thinking "Well Sh$t, its not going to work" I walked outside and saw my Venture has rear exhaust.
That got me thinking , why the difference? It doesnt appear that it would be any less out of the way sitting right behind the rear mudflap, actually seems like it would be easier to get caught up on something, or just covered in mud, etc. So what is the practical difference between a side exit exhaust and rear exit?

Thanks!

 

[Mudballz]

Other then shaving a few pounds and maybe better ascent/descend angles and lastly a comparison to the Mercedes G wagon which has the stock
the 4Runner could never be confused with LOL
Mike

 

[5thToy]

I know some prefer side exhaust for departure angle. I wonder if it also might reduce the exhaust fumes coming in with the back window down.

 

[Mcmojoe]

I know some prefer side exhaust for departure angle. I wonder if it also might reduce the exhaust fumes coming in with the back window down.

This.

 

[BobsTrail]

The side exhaust reduces or eliminates fumes from coming into the cabin when the rear window is down. There are very good posts with info and photos about that in this forum section.

 

[Titan_Bow]

Thanks for all the replies. Any ideas why they decided to only do side exhaust on select models?

 

[Saker]

I know some prefer side exhaust for departure angle.

Answer: Yes, this is correct.

I wonder if it also might reduce the exhaust fumes coming in with the back window down.

Answer: Yes it does.