380 Volvo vs 420 Merc on R7

[pwjoshua]

I have two R7’s I’m considering. One has a 380 Volvo and one has a 420 Merc. Any thoughts on pros and cons?

[Big Block Power]

Why are you debating this?

[pwjoshua]

Haha, okay, I know where you stand. It’s a big decision so wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing anything from the group wisdom, eg durability, noise, maintenance, efficiency.

[Krob1114]

I would think the Volvo 350 would be the minimum you'd want.
But I'm happy with the minimum Volvo 300 in the R3.
Comparing apples to oranges, or maybe apples to tangerines, or maybe oranges to tangerines?
Are all the other details on the boat the same?

[dustinm]

How much is the price difference?

[jhnmdahl]

Seems an easy call unless you know you're just going to cruise around at lower speeds on a relatively small lake. The 380 to 430 is a little more of a judgment call, but the 350 is a big step down in torque and displacement.

[pwjoshua]

Same price, but 380 is a year newer and 85 less engine hours (230 vs 315).
(I should have said 380, not 350 in title).

[dustinm]

Same price, but 380 is a year newer and 85 less engine hours (230 vs 315).
(I should have said 380, not 350 in title).

Thats not as big of engine difference as a 350, which would have been a no brainer... I would prefer a the 420 Merc just from a engine sound stand point(not really a decibel issue - its that the VPs run about 1000 more RPM for the same cruise speed).

With the 380 being newer and less hours, it comes down to condition and other options offered on the two. I wouldnt be able to make that decision without seeing/being on each one. Do you have photos?

[pwjoshua]

The 380 just went sale pending, so I guess that answers my question. Thanks for the input.

[Krob1114]

The 380 just went sale pending, so I guess that answers my question. Thanks for the input.

Interesting that the 380 sold first.

[Big Block Power]

The 380 just went sale pending, so I guess that answers my question. Thanks for the input.

Interesting that the 380 sold first.

Depends on where they are? You never know if the other person didn't see the other. But less hours and a newer Gen engine wins. The 380 does well.