Doing a little research while wating to get my new Merc saltwater opti on I came across this in popular mechanics

outboard testing

What are you going on when you say rated over? Two strokes will almost always outrun a four stroke and 3 of the four motors in the test were two strokes. Honda and Yami were 4's. I'll guarnatee the Yami will cost less to run and is much quieter. It all depends on your desires, do you want hole shot and speed or reliablility and low maintenance. In this day and age I think the four stroke would always be the best choice. No hassles start it and go.

One other consideration is that the article was from 2000. From that, we can assume that all of the manufacturers have improved since then.

I still love my 115 suzuki.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

Yea, to bad this 2000 report doesn't show the 4-stroke Suzuki. I like mine.

The Merc. looks good as well, but I went for the Suzi. 'cause she came with a six year warranty.