Torino 14 #26 Posted February 23, 2013 I have to agree with Dresden Guy. I think it is all muffler. Pull the mufflers off and do a test. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zeedubbya 18 #27 Posted February 23, 2013 I get a huge smile on my face everytime I raise the throttle on the Onan so I vote Onan. Since I've never heard an Onan under 16 hp without two cylinders I like that classic Kohler sound pretty well too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KATO 115 #28 Posted February 23, 2013 KOHLER for me Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,134 #29 Posted February 23, 2013 I have to agree with Dresden Guy. I think it is all muffler. Pull the mufflers off and do a test. It is what it is, they are both totally stock with stock mufflers. No excuses! lol! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,134 #30 Posted February 24, 2013 It looks as though the Kohler is winning this little contest quite handily after a few days of voting. I'm a little surprised, but not really! I know of a real nice 417-8 that is for sale that I'd like to have. The guy wants all the money for it, original owner as well. It has over 2300 hrs on its original Series II Kohler, but that is getting up there! The owner is honest and he says there is NO chance he ever left the key on for the hrs to build up. She does fire right up with no smoke and still runs nice and strong! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JackC 617 #31 Posted February 24, 2013 Both sound good in the videos. Not sure that is the most accurate way to compare. I have both, and from the seat, the ONAN wins on sound hands down. Also, based on the smile test, when I start the ONAN and put it under load bigger smiles appear on my face compared to the Kohlers. I had a guy help me mow my lawn once. He is not a Wheel Horse guy. He started with the C-175 and finished with the 520HC. When he hopped off the 520HC, and without being asked, he said, "now that sounds like a real tractor". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites