Honda/Suzuki?

[bkft]

This is probably something already well-discussed here, but is there a difference between Honda and Suzuki 4-strokes? I'm looking at the 150hp models and they seem pretty similar. Both brag about having the "exclusive" Variable Valve Timing technology. Are they made by the same company or something? Any performance differences based on personal experience?

Thanks in advance,

John

[EJ]

John,

I don't run either one, but I will offer my thoughts. I bought a Yamaha F150 last year. Suzuki's new four strokes were not out yet and I chose the Yamaha based on the larger displacement, lighter weight, solid track record and reports that in actually puts out 160-162 HP when tested. It was an easy choice over the heavier and much smaller displacement of the Honda. I have heard great things about the new Suzuki's and would consider one if I was buying today. They are a little heavier than the Yamaha, but lighter than the Honda. They have 174 CI displacement vs. 163 for the Yamaha and 144 for the Honda. I would see if you could get a ride in a boat with one on since they are new to the market and I have not seen any boat tests with 150 or 175 yet.

EJ

[bkft]

Thanks EJ. I did see performance tests on both the Honda and Suzuki web sites. The Suzuki actually tested on the exact boat I'm looking at: Alumacraft T-Pro 175 CS.

Here's the link: Suzuki Test Results

Honda tested with the Tournament Sport 175 with these results:

Honda test results

Thanks again for your input!

John

[hondavxr]

Well, both the companies build very good motors. Variable valve timing technology almost everyone has it now. Honda was one of the pioneers in this field of technology. Honda used it on many of their F1 cars and adapted it to their motors. It's like having to two cam lope designs on one camshaft. There is a regular smooth economy lope on the camshaft, but after a certain rpm, along with oil pressure and other factors, the motor switches over to a bigger cam lope. This other cam lope will open the valves longer for more air flow and exhaust exits. It's like having a race cam and a street cam on the same motor. With most Honda motors you can really tell when you hit that VTEC mode, because the engine roars louder and watch the rpms climb quicker. I think you will be happy with either motor.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Yeah, I love the VTEC (3.0L) in my car! That puppy really takes off when she switched over...vrrrrrrrrroooooooooooom!

[Xplorer]

Actually the Suzuki is one pound lighter than the Yammy, 465 vs 466. And i guess i would think that the weight difference doesnt mean much, in that the honda weighs in at 478, the equivalent of less than the weight of most folks tackleboxes or a couple gallons of gas.

Try to find out the "power at the hub" of all three for a better idea of power, tho the Honda looks like it is the lightweight in power of the 3 motors.

I would venture to guess that you would be very happy with any of these 3 motors hanging off the back of your rig, I know i would

[Ufatz]

What a happy dilemna.....a Honda or a Suzuki. I've owned several models of both of these motors and they were a delight to own and operate. There may be miniscule technical differences but bottom line is there is no way you can go wrong here. Don't sweat the small stuff. Go with the engine that you can buy at the best price, from the dealer that appears to offer best service and don't look back.....either of these will do the job well.