Johnson 140hp Crossflow V4 vs Mercury 135hp (Inline-6 Tower of Power)

Johnson

140hp Crossflow V4

1984 · 140 HP · 2-Stroke
VS
Mercury

135hp (Inline-6 Tower of Power)

1978 · 135 HP · 2-Stroke
Spec Johnson 140hp Crossflow V4 Mercury 135hp (Inline-6 Tower of Power)
Power & Performance
Horsepower 140 HP 135 HP
Displacement 1632 cc 1635 cc ←
Configuration 4 Cyl / V4 90° 6 Cyl / Inline
Weights & Dimensions
Dry Weight 138 kg (304 lbs) 135 kg (298 lbs) ←
Mechanical & Electrical
Gear Ratio 2.00:1 2.0
Alternator 441 W ← 201 W
Fuel Delivery Twin Carbureted Carbureted
Maintenance
Spark Plug Champion QL77JC4 NGK BUHW
Engine Oil TC-W3 2-Stroke TC-W3 2-Stroke

Technical Comparison Analysis

Power & Displacement

Comparing the Johnson 140hp Crossflow V4 and Mercury 135hp (Inline-6 Tower of Power) shows a displacement difference of 3cc. The Mercury features a larger 1635cc block, which typically provides superior low-end torque and better hole-shot performance when pushing heavy loads or reaching planning speeds.

Weight & Rigging

In terms of transom weight, the Mercury is the lighter option at 135kg, offering a weight saving of 3kg over its competitor. This weight reduction is critical for smaller hulls or boats with limited transom capacity where every kilogram affects the center of gravity and drainage efficiency.

Electrical & Features

For boats equipped with modern electronics, sonar, and shallow-water anchors, the Johnson offers the best charging performance with a 441W alternator. Choosing the right power-to-weight profile between these two 2-stroke engines depends heavily on your specific boat's displacement and daily power requirements.