Muffler or Exhaust system catback?

Can someone tell me the difference in performance in brand name muffle compared to a brand name catback exhaust??
catbacks are so expensive and yet a muffler is small and cheap

thanks and peace

mufflers are small and cheap because you only get 1 part of the 3 piece exhaust system. these are cheap because they are a universal fit for any car with the requirement of you having to saw off your original muffler, then have a muffler shop weld it on to the original stock piping. you won't gain any performance from just changing the muffler, the down pipe would still be the same diameter.

if you get a catback exhaust system, these are designed to "bolt-on" without cutting or welding. basically you can do this mod yourself. usually it is a two piece that contains all the piping after the header

if you just like the sound, just a muffler will do. it'll free up some flow, but like rubix said, don't expect any worthwhile gains. if you like gains and sound, get a full cat-back. but even that alone will only get you 5 to 7 hp if you're lucky.

If u like a nice pure deep sound then get the cat-back and u'll get some gain not much but u'll have better/new piping then stock...with a purer sound...if u get the muffler only then u'll get a better sound but won't sound as pure or good as a catback and u'll still have stock piping and well it's not bad but if u got the money get the cat-back u'll like the pure sound...specially if u got headers...

thanks for your comments/info guys