Pros and cons of the 90 hp Spark vs 110 hp '97 SPX (X4 hull).

[midwestrider]

I have kept my '97 SPX because of the playfulness of the machine. The Spark has me intrigued with it's improved fuel economy and quieter exhaust.
Looking for honest first hand opinions from anyone who has had experience with the X4 hull and has also had seat time on a Spark.
How much better is the fuel economy?
Regarding the handling. On my SPX I love being able to trim her up and fly it over even small waves or trim down and feel like your on rails. Also love to being able tailstand it like a standup and slide her sideways at will. Not sure you can do all those things AS EASILY on a Spark. With the longer and wider size of the Spark. Seems like it wouldn't be quite as flickable?
So far my pros and cons (without actually riding the Spark yet) would be:

Spark pros:
quieter to operate
less fuel used (would like real world numbers)
no more rebuilding carbs

SPX pros:
adjustable trim

Thanks for the input!

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

well, right off the bat, your machine has more power, less weight, and trim... but I imagine the spark would be more stable when you want it to not flip over... unlike the X4 hull which although super fun, is even more tippy than my 02 XP hull...

If I can no longer easily support my 951 habit, I'll look at a spark, but until then, it's just not in the budget for me...

 

[Minnetonka4me]

I am a X-4 junkie, and got some seat time on the spark.

My opinion is the X-4 is still more fun BUT the spark is very close. Acceptably close. I think with a few mods and the Vtech tune to 108 it would feel pretty much the same.

You cant go wrong either way...someone is going to need to make a add on for the spark to burn 2stroke oil though...gotta have 2 stroke cold smoke!!!

 

[chucked]

Just put the oil in the gas. I always put a little bit of castor 927 in all my small engines.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

Yea, but what kind of oil?! XPS2? Used motor oil? TCW3?