Originally Posted By: Mik
For those of us not into blowers (which, I dare say, is likely over 99% of the world), two-strokes are significantly more powerful than four-strokes, and will likely remain that way due to the fact that they fire on every stroke, as well as due to their greatly reduced internal friction and pumping losses ...
AND, power to weight is the crux of the issue. I've been discussing this issue for many years. It's rather interesting, as people will regularly pull up HP or Torque numbers for certain engines to prove a point.
Above, someone made the claim that 250cc 4t motocrossers operated by elite race teams make near 50HP. Crank or at the wheel? Well, a bone stock, production 250cc 2 stroke makes over 50HP at the crank. "Elite" teams get much more. Let's compare engines as produced. Or as modified. Not modified to stock.
But more interestingly, not one 250 4t at the local race shop dyno makes over 40 at the wheel. NOT ONE. Most well prepped ones make near 37 or 38HP. Magazine tests showing over 40HP are correcting for various losses, including drivetrain losses. The real rear wheel hp is still under 40. And, that's what moves you.