Re: Power of 2 Stroke v 4 Stroke?
ChrisE,<br /><br />Horsepower is horsepower, and torque is torque.<br /><br />The differences are where these numbers cross each other, on a graph, and how quickly each one of these build and remain constant.<br /><br />The two stroke, by nature, develops torque quicker, thus giving a stronger acceleration. However, torque tends to fall off somewhat quicker in a 2-stroke.<br /><br />The 4-stroke, by nature, tends to build torque a bit more slowly, however it holds it longer-a flatter torque curve. The mid range is strong.<br /><br />As JB, said: (paraphrasing here) torque gets you going and horsepower keeps you going.<br /><br />In a smaller rig, weight is a very important factor. The extra weight of a 4-stroke can diminish its top speed even though the horsepower is the same as the 2-stroke.<br /><br />There are some 4-strokes out there now that rival the weight of 2-stroke counterparts. Particularly<br />the 4's made by Suzuki. These are also marketed as Johnson/Evinrude.