Stihl MS 271 vs Husqvarna 450 – What’s The Better Chainsaw?

If you know anything about chainsaws then you know the names Stihl and Husqvarna.

It seems that these two powertool titans have been jockeying for chainsaw supremacy for years with no clear victor.

Many professionals swear by the power and durability of Husqvarna saws while Stihl fans praise the reliability of their saws.

Really, it’s up to you and what your cutting needs are.

But the Stihl MS 271 and the Husqvarna 450 saws are so similar that it can be hard to make a choice between the two.

So we wanted to help make your decision a bit easier by providing a side-by-side comparison of these two popular chainsaws.

Stihl MS 271 Vs Husqvarna 450 Overview

Both of these saws belong in the same class but there are subtle differences between them that will appeal to different consumers.

For instance, the Stihl MS 271 has a 2-stroke engine and a separate compartment for oil/gas mixtures while you have to go traditional with the 450.

And while the Stihl MS 271 has slightly more engine power than the 450, it’s also slightly heavier.

Quick Facts

	Stihl MS 271	Husqvarna 450
Engine Power	3.4 HP	3.2 HP
Weight	12.3lbs	11.3lbs
Max RPMs	13,000	9,000

Key Differences Between the Stihl MS 271 and the Husqvarna 450

As you can see from the spec comparison above, most of the differences in power and weight are negligible.

Most of the differences come as features. For example, the Stihl MS 271 comes with a polymer crankcase versus the magnesium crankcase of the 450.

The 450 also has convenience features like an air purge button and safety features like an inertia-triggered chain stop.

So while these chainsaws are similar in terms of specs (and almost identical in terms of price) the Husqvarna differentiates itself by being loaded with periphery features.

Stihl 271 Key Features

• Pre-Separation Air Filter – The Stihl 271 also features the pre-separation air filter that keeps large debris from ever reaching the air filter.
• Side-Access Chain Tensioner – All you need to adjust the chain tension is a bar wrench.
• Polymer Case – The polymer crank case of the Stihl 271 chainsaw helps save a bit of weight.
• 2cc Engine – The 50.2cc engine is capable of 3.4 HP and is suitable for light commercial work.

Stihl 271 Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Easy maintenance
• Separate oil/gas mixture compartment
• Higher RPM’s
• Good for light commercial work
• Consumes less fuel at higher RPMs

Cons:

• Some oil leak issues
• A bit heavier

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Husqvarna 450 Key Features

• Air Purge Button – The air purge makes it easier to start the saw by removing air from the carburetor.
• Chain Break – The chain will actually stop if the saw senses drastic inertia due to kickback.
• X-Torq Engine – Husqvarna’s X-Torq engine was designed to lower emissions and improve fuel-efficiency
• Ergonomic Rear Handle – The rear handle is offset a bit to help the operator gain more leverage and stability.

Stihl 261 Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Forged chain
• Built durable
• Slightly lighter
• Great at bucking trees
• Lots of helpful features

Cons:

• Consumes more fuel at higher RPMs
• A bit loud

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Price Comparison

You can find both of these chainsaws on sale from their respective manufacturers for $450.

Weight & Handling Comparison

If you slap a 20” bar on either of these chainsaws, you probably won’t feel a difference in the way they handle.

But with smaller bars, we noticed that the Husqvarna 450 was easier to handle.

It has a larger fuel tank which makes it heavier when filled up; but again, it evens out because the normal weight of the 450 is less than the Stihl MS 271.

Power Comparison

The Stihl MS 271 checks in at 3.4 HP while the Husqvarna 450 delivers 3.2 HP. In the field, you won’t notice a difference.

However, the Stihl MS 271 has a max 13,000 RPM output. You probably don’t want to use it at such a high rev point very much but the extra speed certainly helps with tree felling and knotty limbs.

Power Source

Both the Stihl MS 271 and the Husqvarna 450 chainsaws are gas-powered saws. The Stihl MS 271 has a 16.9 ounce gas tank.

Available Attachments

Neither Stihl or Husqvarna offer factory attachments for these saws but they do sell various accessories.

Efficiency Comparison

To our surprise, we found that the Stihl MS 271 was actually more fuel-efficient but that comes with a caveat.

If you usually use your saw at high RPMs, then the Stihl MS 271 will be more fuel efficient. The Husqvarna had better fuel economy at lower RPMs though.

How Big A Bar Can You Put on the Stihl MS 271?

The Stihl MS 271 can take a bar as large as 20 inches.

How Big A Bar Can You Put on the Husqvarna 450

While the recommended bar length for the Husqvarna 450 is 13 inches, it can be outfitted with a 20” bar.

Stihl MS 271 Common Problems

There have been consumers who complained that the chain tensioner doesn’t work well. Some have even said that the intended bar wrench tool isn’t enough to adjust the chain tension.

Husqvarna 450 Common Problems

Some of the problems typically associated with the Husqvarna 450 (and many Husqvarna saws) include engines that are easily flooded and congested carburetors.

Who Should Buy Each One?

If you deal with dense, knotty woods a lot, you will probably like the higher output and better fuel economy of the Stihl MS 271. The Husqvarna would be more suited to lighter, home use.

What Are They Best for?

The Stihl MS 271 was great for felling trees and processing dense woods like oak and birch.

The Husqvarna excelled at low RPM levels and would be great for limb management and cutting firewood.

Other Chainsaws to Consider

Husqvarna 460

Right away, we were impressed with the size of this thing and knew it would be suitable for some serious felling – and we were right. The 460 has a 3.6 engine and can be outfitted with a 24” bar.

Pros:

• Air injected filter
• Adjustable oil pump

Cons:

• Heavy

Overall Score: 96/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Stihl MS 291

The Stihl MS 291 has a 3.7 HP, 55.5cc engine and can be outfitted with a bar of up to 20 inches.

We liked that the chain tension was easy to adjust and that you don’t have to replace the air filter very often.

Pros:

• Low emissions
• Low vibrations

Cons:

• Chain drive issues

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Makita XCU04PT1

At first, we thought this battery-operated saw was going to be underpowered. However, we found that it is comparable to a 32cc gas engine in terms of power. It sports a 16” bar and has an easy variable speed trigger.

Pros:

• No emissions
• Easy to control

Cons:

• Short runtime at high RPMs

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Final Assessment

This one was tough to call. In the end it will really depend on what you need a chainsaw for.

For small chores around the house, the Husqvarna 450 is more than capable. For larger projects like felling trees and storm cleanup, we recommend the Stihl MS 271.