whats better71 briggs or 95-98 briggs both 5 hp flathead

[minibike_mayhem]

My question really lies in which one has better cam is one gonna run better i have a early 80s 5 horsut:e the 71 will drive circles around

 

[mini one]

I have an mech tech friend who has rebuilt tiny engines to giant mining equipment. Long story short don't get him going about old hi-test gas and old 70's engines vs ethanol gas and new small engines. He'll pick the old versions of both if given the choice and give you dozens of reasons. Unless you go highest end in new race engines and then it's a big money thing in comparison. The 71 IMHO.
I'de like to hear some more on the evolution of these small engines too.

 

[minibike_mayhem]

Well the71 is nicknamed popcorn because of its nature to backfire upon deacceleration my friend has gone through the whole motorpolished everything with a four horsepower head on it .The newer five horse is actually a 97 brand new motor never even had gas or oil in it still in original box

 

[izzyizz]

Im.the same I.love the old briggs motors im doing a,73 briggs now for my trailhorse...