The Cresco, Caravan, XL ect have two narrow benches running down each side of the aircraft. You sit straddled across them facing rear. 5 rows of two abreast for the fletcher and cresco.
Australia it is mandatory to use SPR on TO and Landing and below 1000'. I belive NZ does not have the SPR rule.
I think the XL just appears louder as the rate of climb is a lot slower and hangs overhead longer. maybe the intake of the cresco is different or the -34ag engine is quieter than the normal version.