2-Stroke vs 4-Stroke Engines: What's the Difference?

About This Quiz

What's more powerful - a two-stroke engine or a four-stroke engine? Think you know? Prove your engine expertise by acing this quiz!

So, let's start with the basics. All engines have pistons that perform a specific number of strokes to complete a power cycle. Four-stroke engines complete the cycle with four strokes (two up-and-down motions) of the piston, resulting in two revolutions of the crankshaft. Two-stroke engines complete the cycle with two strokes of the piston (one up-and-down motion), resulting in one revolution of the crankshaft. Two-stroke engines get the job done with fewer parts and are therefore lighter, which in turn makes the engine more efficient.

Because two-stroke engines are lighter, they are perfect for smaller gasoline engines, such as those used in lawnmowers, chainsaws and even model airplanes and motorcycles. But even when the weight factor does not come into play, two-stroke engines are more efficient, making them ideal for many applications. Even if you aren't particularly familiar with the difference between a two-stroke engine and a four-stroke engine, you'll know that you're operating a two-stroke engine when you are required to mix the fuel and the oil together.

So, you think you know enough about engines to ace this quiz? Let's get started.