Volvo Penta vs. Mercury Marine: Which Engine Will Unlock Your Boat's Full Potential?

Whether you are thinking about yacht maintenance or upgrades, your engine choice makes all the difference. If you are using a petrol engine, then you practically have only two options: Volvo Penta or Mercury Marine. Determining which one fits your requirements better will take you into one of the most long-standing debates in yachting. In this guide, we are going to compare marine parts Volvo Penta vs. Mercury Marine to assist you in making the right decision for your boat.

Volvo Penta vs. Mercury Marine: Which Engine is Best?

Neither of the companies is the best secret; they are the top two, which is the marine industry's most dominant trend. The trouble is that they each produce great products for which deciding what is better or worse is hardly feasible if we take an objective approach. This is the main reason why both companies are equally popular amongst their followers.

The Reliability Issue

When you talk about yacht management, the first thing that comes to your mind is reliability. 

The Volvo Penta marine parts in Australia debuted in 1968, and without a doubt, the AQ 80 S was a breakthrough of the highest order. Before that, the power plant for motor yachts was only heavy inboards or ancient two-stroke outboards. In fact, Volvo was the creator of the sterndrive, also known as the Aquamatic.

Mercury Marine was also on the scene shortly after, but it appeared that they were always trying to catch up with their outstanding competitors. On the other hand, their motors were still very dependable, and therefore, they have managed to stay in the game for so long.

How Do Mercury & Volvo Marine Engines Differ From One Another?

Anyone seeking the yacht price of a new vessel wants to know what's powering their new motor yacht. Up to 2015, the engines of the two companies were the same, because the base engine was made by General Motors.

However, that's all changed for the enhanced fuel efficiency. Before these changes, both manufacturers' motors were made up of elements common to the standard:

• Raw water cooling

• Cast iron block

• Fixed camshaft timing

• Port fuel injection

Volvo Penta did not hesitate to select this engine as their new base, whereas Mercury Marine went off track to build a similar iron GM engine independently.

What Impact Does This Have on Yachts?

There are numerous differences between Volvo Penta vs. Mercury Marine. Following is the breakdown of what this means for you:

• Emissions: One of the major reasons why emissions ratings from Volvo boat parts are much better is that they use a high-pressure direct engine, which is designed to deliver fuel directly into the cylinder, thereby producing cleaner exhaust.

• Weight: Volvo is the lighter option when it comes to the weight of the engines, as aluminium is used as the base. Generally, you will be able to reduce the weight by 10% approximately.

• Fuel Efficiency: Volvo's fuel efficiency rating is said to be 15% higher than that of traditional port fuel injection systems, which means that Volvo Marine engines are more fuel efficient than Mercury Marine engines of similar performance.

Pure Performance: How Do They Compare?

Lower emissions and better fuel efficiency matter to many skippers; however, what about captains who prioritise performance?

It is essential to recognise that Volvo Penta performs well in various regions, but this is where Mercury Marine becomes superior in terms of complete power. You can place two comparable engines together from each manufacturer, and the Mercury Marine wins every time because they have high horsepower and torque. 

Final Thoughts

In recent years, the debate between these two engines was highly educational and a little boring. Nowadays, there are solid differences between the two. Despite these differences, both are premium engines, and it is impossible to determine the better one. 

Ultimately, the decision depends on your preference. Volvo Penta boat parts and accessories will serve you well if you want to save money on costs. But if you're a performance addict, then the Mercury Marine range wins out every time.

So, which engine do you prefer? Challenor Marine stocks both of these engines, regardless of which one you prefer. They are also a reliable partner for yacht maintenance and servicing!