"Lawrence James" wrote in message
nk.net...

50hp is 50hp.

Not exactly.

What gets you moving is torque. Horsepower is torque times RPM.

In many cases, a two cycle engine is capable of running at a higher RPM. If
you can get 10% more RPM out of an engine, you can often get 10% more
horsepower. That doesn't mean you can use that horsepower. If you can't
get the engine up to that extra 10% it will never be used. Unfortunately,
it was at that higher RPM where the engine earned its rating.

If there is a concern about getting on plane, then low end torque is king.
This is where 4 cycles usually have the advantage over two cycles. On the
other hand, if you can get planing okay, and need the best top end, 2 cycles
usually come alive at the higher RPMs and can provide more top end.

Rod McInnis