Cobaltchat.com

I've seen this type of question in several areas on "Cobaltchat", but since I'm on the verge of ordering a '21 for next season I just had to ask one more time - specifically for the cs23: VP 380 or Merc 350?

* Service is not an issue.
* Performance is probably quite similar (wish I could find that info).
* Both great brands.
* VP seems to have the technology edge.
* Merc might be a bit quieter.
* VP a little lighter.

Thanks

Merc 350 55mph @5370 3.3 seconds to plane
VP 350 56mph @5860 3.7 seconds to plane
VP 380 59mph @5980 2.6 seconds to plane

VP uses the newest LS 5.3 with direct injection and I'm pretty sure Merc uses an old school SBC with 6.2l of displacement and MPI which was cutting edge in 1985. Having owned a slug of Chevy pickups I would always pick a direct injected model. We are debating a 220 or CS23 our engine will be VP300 either way.

Great information - thanks. Have you ever run across sound/dba level comparisons for VPs vs. Merc?

The Volvo 350 is the 5.3 the 380 is the 6.2. Sorry I'm a merc fan but volvo wins this.
Now to be fair let's go 8.2 380 merc.

I agree. Wish I could determine the dba comparison - I keep hearing the VP is running at a higher "pitch" sound level than the Merc. For my type of use, sound level would be worth knowing.

Big Block Power wrote: Wed Aug 19, 2020 12:03 pm The Volvo 350 is the 5.3 the 380 is the 6.2. Sorry I'm a merc fan but volvo wins this.
Now to be fair let's go 8.2 380 merc.

I guess I never looked at the 380 as its not an option for a 220. I would say the VP380 all the way!!

It is sad VP dropped BBCs from their engine line up. After a trip to their website I see that their focus is towards our wonderful EPA standards which would be easier weight wise with an LS than a BBC(that saddens me to say).

For sound I do not have any info.

go4it wrote: Wed Aug 19, 2020 12:50 pm I agree. Wish I could determine the dba comparison - I keep hearing the VP is running at a higher "pitch" sound level than the Merc. For my type of use, sound level would be worth knowing.

Tuscany says his 380/430 screams very loud and tgrace says his doesn't. I was on tgrace and it wasn't that bad but once you get into lane 10 look out. Lol
Bobrae has to have all decibel readings somewhere. I will say Merc is much quieter. Even in my years my merc VS volvo BB has a huge diff in dB.

VERY informal feedback/research seems to suggest the Merc is somewhat quieter. Wouldn't it be great to be able to get out on each and see first hand.....

go4it wrote: Thu Aug 20, 2020 7:48 am VERY informal feedback/research seems to suggest the Merc is somewhat quieter. Wouldn't it be great to be able to get out on each and see first hand.....

It sure would but I don't think I've seen a dealer stock both. They are either pro volvo or pro Merc.

Well, I got part of the answer yesterday. Got out on a new cs22 with the 300 Merc - impressive! Quiet, powerful and quick to plane. Can only imagine how the Merc 350 performs. I think I've made my decision.

Thanks for all of the feedback -

go4it wrote: Fri Aug 21, 2020 7:54 am Well, I got part of the answer yesterday. Got out on a new cs22 with the 300 Merc - impressive! Quiet, powerful and quick to plane. Can only imagine how the Merc 350 performs. I think I've made my decision.

Thanks for all of the feedback -

Yes another merc 430