Mercury 125hp OptiMax vs Evinrude 115hp Looper V4
125hp OptiMax
115hp Looper V4
| Spec | Mercury 125hp OptiMax | Evinrude 115hp Looper V4 |
|---|---|---|
| Power & Performance | ||
| Horsepower | 125 HP | 115 HP |
| Displacement | 1522 cc | 1700 cc ← |
| Configuration | 3 Cyl / Inline | 4 Cyl / V4 60° |
| Weights & Dimensions | ||
| Dry Weight | 170 kg (375 lbs) | 143 kg (315 lbs) ← |
| Mechanical & Electrical | ||
| Gear Ratio | 2.07:1 | 2.0 |
| Alternator | 864 W ← | 201 W |
| Fuel Delivery | DFI (Direct Injection) | Carbureted |
| Maintenance | ||
| Spark Plug | NGK IZFR6J | Champion QL77JC4 |
| Engine Oil | Mercury OptiMax/DFI Oil | VRO Injection |
Technical Comparison Analysis
Power & Displacement
Comparing the Mercury 125hp OptiMax and Evinrude 115hp Looper V4 shows a displacement difference of 178cc. The Evinrude features a larger 1700cc 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 Evinrude is the lighter option at 143kg, offering a weight saving of 27kg 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 Mercury offers the best charging performance with a 864W 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.