| Spec | GX200 | GX270 |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 196 cc | 270 cc |
| Bore × stroke | 68 × 54 mm | 77 × 58 mm |
| Net power | 5.8 hp (4.3 kW) @ 3,600 rpm | 8.4 hp (6.3 kW) @ 3,600 rpm |
| Net torque | 9.1 lb-ft (12.4 Nm) @ 2,500 rpm | 14.1 lb-ft (19.1 Nm) @ 2,500 rpm |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Oil capacity | 0.63 US qt (0.6 L) | 1.16 US qt (1.1 L) |
| Fuel tank | 3.3 US qt (3.1 L) | 5.6 US qt (5.3 L) |
| Dry weight | 35 lb (16.1 kg) | 55 lb (25 kg) |
| Ignition | Transistorized magneto | Digital CDI, variable timing |
| Starting | Recoil | Recoil / electric |
| Size (L × W × H, min) | 12.6 × 14.8 × 13.6 in (321 × 376 × 346 mm) | 15.0 × 16.9 × 16.6 in (380 × 429 × 422 mm) |
Source: Honda Engines official specification pages (engines.honda.com/models/model-detail/mid-gx, engines.honda.com/models/model-detail/large-gx), checked 2 Nov 2026. Power is SAE J1349 net output measured by Honda; engines installed in equipment may vary. This site is independent and not affiliated with Honda.
What the difference means
- Torque is what you feel in a tiller, pump or go-kart pulling from low speed: 9.1 vs 14.1 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm.
- Mounting: they belong to different Honda size classes (12.6 × 14.8 × 13.6 in (321 × 376 × 346 mm) vs 15.0 × 16.9 × 16.6 in (380 × 429 × 422 mm)), so the bolt pattern and frame space differ – a swap usually needs a new mounting plate.
- Shaft: both come in several PTO shaft types (straight, tapered, threaded, reduction). The type letter after the model name on the engine label tells you which.
- Fuel use rises with load and displacement; the bigger engine only costs more fuel when you actually use its extra power.
Rule of thumb: pick the smaller engine when the equipment maker lists it as an option and you run it at part load; pick the larger one for pumps, splitters and karts that run near full load for long periods.