I think some of it depends on engine cubic inches. I switched recently from 2.5" to 3". The diameter change in the pipes is massive. Fitment is tough. I cannot tell you what a combo system will look like 3 and 2.5.
There's an engine masters episode on 3" exhaust here;
https://youtu.be/_PVXvHkr-Vs
When I made the change, the exhaust note went from loud to deafeningly loud with the 3". I freed up a lot of power, and went from scary fast to dangerously fast and you better respect the power or else fast.
What cubic inch is your 500 coming from?