What’s better, the STIHL MS 880 or the Husqvarna 3120 XP?
Well of course they’re both great saws, being the biggest saw each of the brands make (though the 880 has now given way to the 881).
Neither of them is definitively better, and the answer will depend on who you’re asking. However, here are the specs for each along with some user comments.
| Specification | STIHL MS 880 | Husqvarna 3120 XP |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 121.6 cc | 118.8 cc |
| Engine Power | 6.4 kW (8.6 hp) | 6.8 kW (9.2 hp) |
| Weight (without bar/chain) | 10.0 kg (22.0 lbs) | 10.4 kg (22.9 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.30 L | 1.25 L |
| Oil Tank Capacity | 0.70 L | 0.70 L |
| Recommended Bar Length | 20″ to 59″ | 24″ to 42″ |
| Chain Pitch | .404″ | .404″ |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.64 kW/kg | 0.60 kW/kg |
This is a video of the two models going head to head, though obviously the Husky has the high ground and a head start.
Some of the comments on this video:
- Alexander said, “Husky always wins in the cut and easier to start.”
- Ron said, “I have both. And yes, I would walk past 5 Stihl’s to get to a Husky.”
- Dean said, “Husky is what wins in the woods torque.”
- Kenny said, “Husky! Any and every day!”
- Brent said, “I run them both but my Husky is better on gas with the same amount of power!”
- Tommy said, “I’ve owned both. They both have their advantages.”
- Brandon said, “Husky will always cut faster than a STIHL but both are good saws.”
- Brett said, “Less vibration in a Husky, after hours on a saw you notice the difference.”
- Noah said, “Husky got better top end power. The Stihl is more comfortable to hold and operate to me though.”
Joel said:
It’s not the saw, it’s the chain and the person who operates the saw. Two different people!
Like when you drag race, it’s not the car, it’s the driver!
If I took that Stihl saw and I put my preference of the chain on it, I know I’d be ahead of him. It’s all about knowledge!
Petr said:
Husqvarna lighter, Stihl sturdier, both reliable. Been working professionally with both.
Weight is what counts,when you holding it in hands whole day, every day.
Herb said:
I have used both saws in the same day. It’s Husky all the way everyday.
Joseph said:
Each have their problems. I hate the chain adjustment screws on the Husqvarna as well as the chain brake I always seem to break.
Still just seem to bog down when inverted but they are great running saws just the same. Well built.
Jeremiah said:
I’m born and raised STIHL… use a 661cm every day… the 3120 stock hangs with my ported 084.
Caden said:
The chain makes the saw. They are both good and have strengths and weaknesses.
And a final long comment; Daniel said:
Well I’m willing to take any Husqvarna size for size against any Stihl or other branded saws.
I know Stihl like the back of my hand, as we use to use them to build the 044 super mag pro saws. Which saw an awesome saw in the day, however husqvarna stepped up to the plate with what was the 272xp and we modified it to out perform the 044 at that time.
Since then we have done the same thing with the 372xp, 572xp, 575xp, and 576xp’s these are all mostly stock saws from the factory with minor modifications. Same modes done on both brands.
Husqvarna still out performed Stihl, we also did a side by side comparison with the circular saws also and blew Stihl away. (In their own backyard). Virginia Beach.
Univent Pro saws is what we called them and designed for rescue operations for all first responders. I know I will take slack for this post but, I’m willing to go head to head any day.
Remember I use to be the biggest Stihl fan for years and was converted after side by side comparison’s. If Stihl can out perform the Univent/Husqvarna in an emergency situation then I’m all for it. But for now I’m sticking with Husqvarna.
What do you think?