Which type of engine generally provides higher torque, two-stroke or four-stroke?

Two-stroke engines are designed to deliver higher torque compared to four-stroke engines, primarily due to the engine cycle and the number of power strokes generated. In a two-stroke engine, the cycle consists of both a power and an exhaust stroke occurring every revolution of the crankshaft. This means that a two-stroke engine can produce a power stroke for every rotation, effectively doubling the frequency of torque production.

In contrast, four-stroke engines complete their cycle over two rotations of the crankshaft, resulting in one power stroke for every two revolutions. This intrinsic design leads to a lower average torque output over the same engine size and speed when compared to a two-stroke engine, which provides power more frequently.

Moreover, two-stroke engines often have fewer moving parts, which can contribute to a more responsive torque output. This characteristic makes them popular in applications where high torque is beneficial, such as in motorcycles, chainsaws, and other small machinery. Thus, the design and operation of two-stroke engines inherently allow for higher torque delivery in comparison to their four-stroke counterparts.