Four-stroke and two-stroke are also called four-cycle and two-cycle, respectively. Most of dirt bike, motorcycle or RC enthusiasts are confused about which one has a better performance.

The two types of engine are found in virtually all heavy duty applications such as trucks, ships, locomotives, power generation, and stationary power. But most small engines are two-stroke as they care compact, no need for radiator as they are air cooled, have no sump for oil which can operate upside down or on an angle.

The 4-stroke engine uses a system of valves to control gasoline combustion within the engine block. These valves help lower the heat within the engine block by allowing hot air to escape and keeping engine shafts well lubricated.

The four-stroke has more moving parts so it’s more difficult to reach high rpm without engine failure. 6000 rpm would be the upper limit. For example, a motorcycle with a two stroke engine has a higher acceleration but the 4 one will win after a couple of miles.

Then which one is better for hobby use.

Have a look at what they say.
Paul, “2 strokes are a lot of fun!! They create wacky crazy high horsepower for a small displacement engine, and when they get into the high RPM”

Revitup, “2 stroke…yeah, definitely 2 stroke. More power = more fun! Cc to cc 4 strokes can’t touch a 2 stroke. It is that plain and simple!”

Brandon, “2-strokes are better in speed and acceleration, but 4-strokes you have more control when riding with other riders 2-strokes are for the track when practicing or something.4-strokes are really considered better to be rode in motocross a 2-stroke is out of control and not the kind of handling you want for a bike my opinion 4-strokes are better.”

Michael, “4 stroke engines do tend to ‘waste fire’ the spark plug at the end of the exhaust stroke but this would not cause an explosion, but again here the idea of ‘waste firing’ has nothing to do with the 4 stroke cycle, rather it is a result of the simple design of a motor.”

However, shalem said, the winner is obviously the engine which has been given more time and technology in its development. But nobody knows when the honest “internal combustion” engine is going to get replaced by the next new breakthrough in “Automobile Engineering”.

Should you buy a two-stroke or four-stroke engine? Do you have a favorite one? Feel free to share in the comment.