There has been somewhat of a long-standing debate between which snowmobile engine is better since the 4-stroke engine first became available. I don’t think one is better than the other. It just depends on your riding style and preferences.
I’ve been an avid snowmobiler for most of my life, and I have decades of experience riding all over North America. I have used many different 2-stroke and 4-stroke sleds over the years, and I know through first-hand experience their main differences.
This post will touch on the differences between 2-stroke and 4-stroke snowmobiles to give you a better understanding of why you might want to use one over the other. I’ll touch on the advantages of each engine to help you know more about them.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
The Big Debate
Engine Style Defined
2 Stroke vs 4 Stroke Snowmobile
Design
Cost
Performance
Emissions
Other Considerations
FAQs
How to Tell the Difference between 4 Stroke and 2 Stroke?
2 Stroke vs 4 Stroke: Which One is Better for Trail Riding?
Do 4 Strokes Last Longer than 2 Strokes?
Will 2-strokes Make a Comeback?
Final Thoughts
The Big Debate
If you ask ten different snowmobilers, they will all probably have a different recommendation on whether to use a 2-stroke or 4-stroke snowmobile.
The truth is there isn’t one right or wrong answer here, and both styles of engines work well in different situations.
I have had good experiences with both 2-stroke and 4-stroke sleds and still use 2-stroke machines more often. This is just my personal preference and what sleds I have owned over the years.
Engine Style Defined
Looking at things from a clear perspective, it’s good to know what defines a 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine, whether that is looking at a snowmobile or any other machine.
A 2-stroke engine generates power on every other stroke of the pistons in the engine, while a 4-stroke engine generates power on every fourth stroke. That may not mean much unless you understand how an engine works in the first place, but they are two completely different designs.
Rather than get into the specifics of how these engines work, I think it’s a better idea for this article to explain how the differences affect how a snowmobile operates in the snow.
2 Stroke vs 4 Stroke Snowmobile
I’ll break down all of the main differences between 2-stroke and 4-stroke snowmobiles here to give you a better understanding of both.
2-Stroke
4-stroke
Design
Simpler/More heat
More complex/More parts
Cost
Less expensive
More expensive
Performance
More power
Better compression ratios
Emissions
Higher emissions
Lower emissions
Design
2-stroke snowmobiles have been around for longer because they have a simpler, more basic design. 4-stroke sleds are more complex and require more complicated engineering, so they have only become more available in recent years.
The design of a 2-stroke engine also generates more heat, which means that they need a better cooling system than a 4-stroke engine. But a 4-stroke engine has more parts, which can cause more weight overall for the sled.
Another big difference is that 2-stroke engines require a mix of gas and oil. So these types of engines burn up oil in the fuel, and you’ll end up using more oil in the long run. 4-stroke engines can reuse oil, so you don’t burn as much during regular operation.
Cost
2-stroke snowmobiles are generally cheaper than 4-stroke sleds because a 2-stroke engine is cheaper to build. But a 4-stroke engine will last a lot longer in total operating life, so upfront cost should be compared against lifetime use.
There are more moving parts in a 4-stroke engine, which typically means that there is more need for potential maintenance. But again, these engines will last longer than 2-stroke, so they can be a better or similar value in the long run.
Performance
Most riders will tell you that 2-stroke snowmobiles are more powerful than a 4-stroke. But a 4-stroke will give you better compression ratios. These slight differences in performance will probably only be noticed by experienced riders.
2-stroke snowmobiles are lighter because the engine doesn’t have as many components, making them easier to maneuver in tight situations than larger 4-stroke models.
This weight consideration also means that 2-stroke sleds have a lower center of gravity, giving you better handling when making fast manuevers.
Emissions
2-stroke engines are not as environmentally friendly as 4-stroke engines. 2-stroke engines don’t actually create complete combustion, meaning that not all of the fuel is burned up during each engine cycle. This causes excess fuel to be ejected into the atmosphere (emissions).
4-stroke engines have near-complete combustion, which results in fewer emissions and better performance for the environment. These engines are more modern and can therefore be more fuel-efficient as well.
Other Considerations
Another consideration you might want to know about when choosing between these snowmobiles is that 2-stroke engines are usually louder than 4-stroke models. If you want a more peaceful experience or don’t want to disturb nature and animals, keep this in mind.
And 2-stroke engines will typically be able to stay in operation when they get flipped upside or operate at high ride angles. If a 4-stroke engine remains upside down for a long time, the oil flow can get messed up, leading to engine damage.
This is something to keep in mind if you like to ride on really steep terrain or tend to bale off your sled often. 2-stroke engines are a little less particular, and you can beat them up without worry. 4-strokes shouldn’t be left upside for an extended amount of time.
FAQs
How to Tell the Difference between 4 Stroke and 2 Stroke?
One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between a 4-stroke and 2-stroke engine is to listen to it while it is running. A 4-stroke engine will have a smoother sound that has a constant hum. A 2-stroke engine will be a little louder with sporadic popping sounds.
2 Stroke vs 4 Stroke: Which One is Better for Trail Riding?
4-stroke engines can be better for long-distance trail riding because of the liquid-cooled engines and better gas mileage. But both of these engines can work well for trail riding, it just depends on your needs and preferences.
Do 4 Strokes Last Longer than 2 Strokes?
This is a widely circulated statement, but it really doesn’t hold up. 4-stroke and 2-stroke machines can both be very dependable and last a long time. This is especially true with newer machines, but you might see some more lifetime mileage from a 4-stroke.
Will 2-strokes Make a Comeback?
I don’t think that 2-strokes will make a big comeback. But I also don’t believe that they will become obsolete any time soon. They are still pretty popular with hardcore riders and have some advantages that keep them marketable.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are quite a few differences between 2-stroke and 4-stroke snowmobiles. A lot of this won’t mean much to the casual rider, but it’s good information to know and understand if you are looking at buying a new machine.
That said, I don’t really have a particular recommendation as to which style engine is best. Take all of the information here to heart, and try to decide based on your riding style and preferences. There are plenty of good options in both types available.
About Chaz Wyland
I’m a snowmobile fanatic. I live for riding and am out on the trails or backcountry as often as possible during the winter months. I was born and raised in the Rocky Mountains and have snowmobiled in dozens of North American locations. When the snow is falling, you’ll find me on a sled.
2-strokes are cheaper to build, lighter, offer a higher power-to-weight ratio, and are easier to start in the cold than 4-strokes. A 4-stroke engine requires two full revolutions of the crankshaft, and four piston cycles to complete intake, compression, power and exhaust strokes.
Both engines use the combustion cycle to produce energy. The main difference between a 2- and 4-stroke engine is that a 4-stroke engine goes through four stages, or two complete revolutions, to complete one power stroke. A 2-stroke engine goes through 2 stages, or one complete revolution, to complete one power stroke.
Two-stroke engines are also easier to start in cold temperatures, making them ideal for use in snowmobiles. However, four-stroke engines produce more torque at lower rpm, generally have better durability than high-revving two-stroke engines and also provide improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
High power to weight ratio and significant power boost. It has no valves, so complicated valve actuating mechanism not required. It is light weight, 30% lighter than the 4-stroke engine. It has few moving parts, so compact and simple construction.
You can see from both that there is a compression and combustion stroke. However, 4-strokes have a combustion stroke every other piston revolution, whereas the 2-stroke combusts the fuel mixture every rotation. 2-strokes do not have valves and fire every piston revolution, making them faster than 4-strokes.
The four-stroke engine is cleaner because it burns pure petrol; the two-stroke engine, on the other hand, burns a combination of lubricating oil and petrol and a fair amount of the oil is emitted as unburnt vapour. Source: Ministry of environment and forests.
A 2-cycle engine has one fill port with a cap that has fuel pump and oil can icon. The cap will usually state the oil to fuel mix ratio. A 4-cycle engine has two fill ports with each cap separately identifying the fuel tank from the oil sump.
More fuel eciency :- 4 stroke engines have greater fuel eciency than 2 stroke ones because fuel is consumed once every 4 strokes. Less pollution :- As power is generated once every 4 strokes & also as no oil or lubricant is added to the fuel; 4 stroke engine produces less pollution.
Basically engines are of two types on this basis, two-stroke, and four-stroke engines. Both of these engines contain the same parts like the crankshaft, piston and combustion chamber, etc. But, the main difference is the way of movement of the crankshaft and piston in the engine.
Less powerful :- As power gets delivered once every 2 rotations of crankshaft(4 strokes), hence 4 stroke is less powerful. Expensive :- A four stroke engine has much more parts than 2 stroke engine. So they often require repairs which leads to greater expense.
Two-stroke engines often have a high power-to-weight ratio, power being available in a narrow range of rotational speeds called the power band. Two-stroke engines have fewer moving parts than four-stroke engines, and thus are cheaper to manufacture.
Because of the smaller and simpler engine design with less moving and electrical parts, 2-strokes can be cheaper in maintenance because you might be able to make your own mechanic decisions and adjustments as needed. There are also fewer parts to get worn out and need replacing.
Four-stroke engines are more efficient due to less demand for fuel. Fuel is consumed once every four strokes versus two. Four-stroke engines are better for the environment due to reduced emissions. A two-stroke engine releases burnt oil into the air in addition to the exhaust produced.
For the same size and type of dirt bike, a 2 stroke is faster than a 4 stroke. For example, a 125cc 2 stroke will beat a 125cc 4 stroke in a drag race. With that said, it's easier to ride a 4 stroke, depending on the terrain, conditions and rider.
So, how does a four-stroke gasoline engine work? Within a four-stroke engine, the pistons are connected to a rotating crankshaft through a connecting rod. Every four strokes of the piston, moving up or down the cylinder, the engine produces power through what is known as the four-stroke cycle.
In order to power your equipment, the overhead valve engine completes a repeating 4-step process detailed below. Air and fuel enter the small engine through the carburetor.
A four-stroke (also four-cycle) engine is an internal combustion (IC) engine in which the piston completes four separate strokes while turning the crankshaft. A stroke refers to the full travel of the piston along the cylinder, in either direction.
2-stroke engines don't have a camshaft, nor do they have valves, as you would find in a 4-stroke. Instead, they feature a sleeve valve system where two permanently-open ports exist adjacent to each other in the cylinder wall. These are known as the exhaust port and the inlet port.
How can a two-stroke engine identify by? Explanation: The two-stroke engine is identified by the absence of valves. Almost all two-stroke engines do not have valves. This makes the two-stroke engine easy to produce and maintain.
Compared to four stroke engines, two strokes are lighter, more efficient, have the ability to use lower-grade fuel, and more cost-efficient. Therefore, the lighter engines results in a higher power-to-weight ratio (more power for less weight).
Two-stroke (two-cycle) engines require you to mix the oil with the gas in exact amounts so the oil acts as a lubricant for the crankcase, while four-stroke engines take oil and gas separately.
A carbureted two-stroke engine can emit up to 25-30 percent of its fuel unburned into the water or atmosphere, which is why high-emission engines are prohibited on some lakes.
Without getting into details, the main reason for the difference is that two-stroke engines are much less efficient in combustion than four-stroke engines (which are standard in cars); they burn a mix of oil and gasoline; and they emit a lot of this combustion mixture directly into the atmosphere, unburned.
The only reason for this motor not existing anymore is 'POLLUTION'. A 2-stroke engine relies on the fuel and oil (2T-oil) mixture for lubrication and the air-fuel charge is what that combusts in the combustion chamber. The lubricating oil also combusts with the charge hence producing thick white smoke.
More torque, the engine is quieter and more reliable. Last longer than a 2 stroke engine. You don't have to mix the oil and fuel. Runs cleaner than a 2 stroke, less pollution.
The four-stroke engine is cleaner because it burns pure petrol; the two-stroke engine, on the other hand, burns a combination of lubricating oil and petrol and a fair amount of the oil is emitted as unburnt vapour. Source: Ministry of environment and forests.
Low thermal efficiency: The unburnt air-fuel mixture gets rejected, thus reducing the efficiency. Incomplete combustion: The incomplete combustion and presence of exhaust gases in the fresh mixture lead to incomplete combustion.
You can but it will loose power due loss of back pressures tuning. I tried this on my Detroit 8v92 2 stroke and ran lousy. It does much better with the exhaust intact.
While a 2-stroke will never offer the torque of a 4-stroke, they come close enough for most weekend riders. Not only that, but they're lighter and tend to be easier to handle, which makes them great for beginners. In addition, 2-stroke bikes require less maintenance than most 4-strokes, saving you time and money.
4 stroke engines are generally more reliable and longer-lasting than 2 stroke engines, which can be an advantage for riders who plan on doing a lot of miles or who need a motorcycle they can rely on in the long term.
A 2 stroke snowmobile engine will last around 5,000-10,000 miles while with proper maintenance a 4 stroke will last longer, approximately 10,000-20,000 miles.
The RX-1 launched in 2002 as Yamaha's first 4-stroke snowmobile was in fact, an offspring of Yamaha's fourth development project undertaken in 1999. The engine it employed was the 998cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, DOHC, in-line 4-cylinder, 5-valve mill developed specifically for that project.
Four-stroke engines have more parts, therefore they are more expensive and repairs cost more. Two-stroke engines require pre-mixing of oil and fuel, while the 4-strokes do not. Four-strokes are more environmentally friendly; in a 2-stroke engine, burnt oil is also released into the air with the exhaust.
A 4-stroke 250cc engine has a top speed of around 80mph, while a 2-stroke has a maximum speed of about 85mph. 2-strokes can generate power quicker than 4-strokes which makes them ideal for getting started on a strong note in competitive races or for accelerating out of corners.
Because these engines are simple machines that only need two piston movements to complete their process, the necessary maintenance is not only cheaper but easier to complete. Two stroke engines are typically cheaper also because they have fewer parts than four-stroke engines. Less material means less money.
Every two-stroke lover will tell you his bike is easier to maintain because it is simple and has fewer moving parts. But two-stroke engines have some unique mechanical problems and can be difficult to diagnose and work on unless you know what to look for.
A current garden variety 600 twin engine in the popular trail/sport category can deliver up to 12,000 miles (19,000 kms) of reasonable use. Reasonable use includes using good quality injector oil, regular servicing of the exhaust valves and annual clutch maintenance.
What Is the Most Reliable Snowmobile Brand? Usually, Yamaha 4-stroke sleds are considered the most reliable sleds of all time. That being said, no matter how low their market share is, Yamaha is the most reliable snowmobile brand in the industry.
The average highest speed for snowmobiles depends on the engine size, make and model and a few other factors, but ranges around 95 to 120 miles per hour. Some of the higher speed snowmobiles can reach up to 150 mph, and there are also racing snowmobiles that can get up to 200 mph.
Engine type: 4-stroke vs. 2-stroke – 4-stroke is great for an on-trail sled. It's a more expensive engine up-front but requires less maintenance and will last longer. It will require an oil change about once a year and you don't have to worry about carrying oil with you.
The Trade Winds Cheetah was said to be the fastest snowmobile of its era. In 1968, one of these speedy sleds became the first snowmobile to go over 100 mph. Fifty-three years later, the Trade Winds team is ready to repeat the feat at the Manawa Snodeo.
The engine oil can also cause overheating, especially with a 4-stroke snowmobile. Ensure to check it too. A heat exchanger is a crucial component of a sled's temperature control system.
The most powerful factory-built 2-stroke snowmobile widens the gap on the competition. Heart pounding power, response and mind bending acceleration in your hands.
Address: 747 Lubowitz Run, Sidmouth, HI 90646-5543
Phone: +99513241752844
Job: Design Supervisor
Hobby: Digital arts, Lacemaking, Air sports, Running, Scouting, Shooting, Puzzles
Introduction: My name is Delena Feil, I am a clean, splendid, calm, fancy, jolly, bright, faithful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
