Mercury 20hp (2-Stroke) vs Tohatsu M18E2 (2-Stroke)
20hp (2-Stroke)
M18E2 (2-Stroke)
| Spec | Mercury 20hp (2-Stroke) | Tohatsu M18E2 (2-Stroke) |
|---|---|---|
| Power & Performance | ||
| Horsepower | 20 HP | 18 HP |
| Displacement | 400 cc ← | 294 cc |
| Configuration | 2 Cyl / Inline | 2 Cyl / Inline |
| Weights & Dimensions | ||
| Dry Weight | 48 kg (106 lbs) | 41 kg (90 lbs) ← |
| Mechanical & Electrical | ||
| Gear Ratio | 2.0 | 1.85:1 |
| Alternator | 60 W | 80 W ← |
| Fuel Delivery | Carbureted | Carbureted |
| Maintenance | ||
| Spark Plug | NGK BP8H-N-10 | NGK B7HS-10 |
| Engine Oil | TC-W3 2-Stroke | TC-W3 (50:1) |
Technical Comparison Analysis
Power & Displacement
Comparing the Mercury 20hp (2-Stroke) and Tohatsu M18E2 (2-Stroke) shows a displacement difference of 106cc. The Mercury features a larger 400cc 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 Tohatsu is the lighter option at 41kg, offering a weight saving of 7kg 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 Tohatsu offers the best charging performance with a 80W 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.