Tohatsu MD50 TLDI (2-Stroke) vs Mercury 45hp (Inline-4)
MD50 TLDI (2-Stroke)
45hp (Inline-4)
| Spec | Tohatsu MD50 TLDI (2-Stroke) | Mercury 45hp (Inline-4) |
|---|---|---|
| Power & Performance | ||
| Horsepower | 50 HP | 45 HP |
| Displacement | 697 cc | 720 cc ← |
| Configuration | 3 Cyl / Inline | 4 Cyl / Inline |
| Weights & Dimensions | ||
| Dry Weight | 103 kg (227 lbs) | 72 kg (159 lbs) ← |
| Mechanical & Electrical | ||
| Gear Ratio | 1.85:1 | 2.0 |
| Alternator | 576 W ← | 113 W |
| Fuel Delivery | TLDI Direct Injection | Carbureted |
| Maintenance | ||
| Spark Plug | NGK IZFR6Q | NGK BUHW (Surface Gap) |
| Engine Oil | Tohatsu TLDI Oil | TC-W3 2-Stroke |
Technical Comparison Analysis
Power & Displacement
Comparing the Tohatsu MD50 TLDI (2-Stroke) and Mercury 45hp (Inline-4) shows a displacement difference of 23cc. The Mercury features a larger 720cc 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 72kg, offering a weight saving of 31kg 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 576W 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.