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A closer look at the numbers
There are advantages with both 2- and 4-stroke engines.
In summary, the lower horsepower versions of each engine uses less gasoline and long-term any 2-stroke will ultimately use more oil than a 4-stroke. So the longer you keep and use a 4-stroke, the more economical it becomes, based on oil use. 4-stroke engines, Yamaha’s in particular, are also much longer lasting powerplants and their reliability and longevity still cannot be matched by the 2-strokes.
What’s the difference in costs to operate?
American Snowmobiler used its own Real World test results from last season for miles per gallon for a Ski-Doo 800R E-TEC (17.2 mpg) and Yamaha Apex (15 mpg). These engine’s offer nearly equal power production.
We then called local dealers for their oil prices and compared the U.S. average premium fuel costs as of January, 2012, for both sleds. We used 5,000 miles for overall usage.
In brief, the 2-stroke E-TEC used a hair less gasoline over 5,000 miles, while the 4-stroke Yamaha used less oil, both in quantity and cost. (This compares the oil used for oil changes in the Yamaha vs. the injection oil constantly added to the Ski-Doo.)
Comparing the two, the Yamaha’s fuel/oil costs were $50 less for 5,000 miles. Add in an oil filter that the Yamaha requires after 500 miles and labor for doing the oil changes and we call the operating costs a wash.
The gains as far as cost of ownership of a 4-stroke would come probably after about 5 years. The real positives to owning a 4-stroke are the longevity of a 4-stroke engine and the overall lower maintenance needed and superior reliability of a 4-stroke.
2-stroke advantages
• Lighter weight aids handling (more engine power per pound)
• Quicker revving
• Lower up front costs (when comparing similarly targeted models)
• Less costly, easier engine to repair
4-stroke advantages
• More environmentally friendly (no injection oil being burned)
• Ease of use (no need to add oil during season, just turn the key and go)
• Less maintenance or repairs needed
• Engine longevity/durability (Yamaha cites examples of 4-strokes running 40,000+ miles)
• Engine reliability
• Strong, more consistent power band.