Difference between 1998 98 and 2000 99 2 stroke and older 18hp

"Looking at the specs for the

"Looking at the specs for the same load level:
9.8
Prop: 8.5 dia x 9 pitch
max rpm 5000 to 6000
engine weight: 57 lbs

9.9
Prop: 9.2 dia x 9.1 pitch
max rpm 4500 to 5300
engine weight: 82 lbs

What are the real world differences in these engines. Similar HP, but operating rpm and props are significantly different.

Does one get better fuel economy?

Which one is more reliable?

Longevity? i.e. heavier is better?

I had a late 80's 18hp Tohatsu for 15 years. Ran great, loved the engine, never left me stranded. How do the above engines compare to the older 18?"

Does one get better fuel econo

Does one get better fuel economy? The 9.8 uses less fuel at the same RPM's as the 9.9.

Which one is more reliable? No difference.

Longevity? No difference.

Heavier is better? Not if you have a bad back...Or for any other reason that I can think of.

"John,

Look up some parts

"John,

Look up some parts for either one and see if replacement parts cost more for one or the other. Is one a long shaft and one a short shaft? I personally preffer the heavyer casting in a motor. The one with a larger diameter prop would handle heavyer loads better possibly due to a lower gear ratio. In the old days (engineering wise)newer always meant better. But today as companies trim the fat they sometimes trim too much and ruin their product....


Mark."