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Generac GP5500E vs GP6500 - The Differences

Further down the page, you'll find some explanations regarding the key similarities and differences between the Generac GP6500 and the Generac GP5500E.

But before checking out explanations regarding their power, portability, and features, here's a table that summarizes the main pros of each of these 2 generators:

Generac GP6500 Generac GP5500E
Generac GP6500 Generac GP5500E
  • Higher running & starting watts
  • Bigger engine
  • Significantly less expensive
  • Lower fuel consumption
  • Lighter
  • Electric start
  • Electronic Fuel Injection

As the GP6500 and the GP5500E are both Generac generators, they benefit from the same level of quality and attention to detail.

Power Comparison

The following charts are provided to show you at a glance how the main specs of the Generac GP6500 compare to the Generac GP5500E.

  • The 389cc engine of the GP6500 is significantly bigger than the GP5500E's engine, which has a displacement of 298cc.
  • With a running wattage of 6,500 W, the Generac GP6500 will allow to power more appliances and tools than the 5,500 running watts of the Generac GP5500E. Moreover, compared to the 6,875 starting watts of the GP5500E, the GP6500 and its starting wattage of 8,125 W will give more power to start the appliances which require an additional boost to get their motor running.
  • At a 50% load, these 2 portable generators benefit from the same approximate runtime on a full tank. Therefore, regardless of the model, you'll be able to enjoy power availability for around 10.5 hours.
  • With a gasoline consumption at 50% load of 0.66 GPH (gallon per hour), the Generac GP6500 is less fuel efficient than the GP5500E with its 0.51 GPH. The latter will therefore be more economic to run than the former.
  • Neither the Generac GP6500 nor the Generac GP5500E has a THD low enough to allow you to safely power your sensitive electronic devices (both <20%).

Portability Comparison

  • As these two products share the same overall bulk, neither of them will really take up less storage space.
  • With a weight of 163 lbs, the GP5500E is slightly less heavy than the GP6500 (which weighs 172 lbs).
  • Both products benefit from a wheel kit, which greatly enhances their maneuverability. Both offer a folding handle, which improves your grip when you wish to move them around.

Feature Comparison

  • While these two devices can both start thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism, the Generac GP5500E has the advantage of also being able to get running via a convenient electric starter.
  • The Generac GP5500E benefits from an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system, which enhances its engine's reliability, lowers its fuel consumption, improves its startup, reduces its servicing, boosts its stale fuel resistance, and offers better altitude adaptability.
  • The GP6500 and the GP5500E both offer 5 AC outlets. They also both feature GFCI outlets. In addition, it is worth noting that they can both produce either 120 or 240V. For more detailed information regarding all their respective receptacles, refer to the GP6500's and the GP5500E's product pages.
  • Each of these 2 portable generators is equipped with a data center allowing you to conveniently monitor some aspects of the power output. Besides that, these 2 products are fitted with a fuel gauge allowing to see their fuel level at a glance.
  • Both units benefit from Generac's COsense® carbon monoxide monitoring technology.

TL;DR

Generac GP6500 Generac GP5500E
Generac GP6500 Generac GP5500E
  • Higher running & starting watts
  • Bigger engine
  • Significantly less expensive
  • Lower fuel consumption
  • Lighter
  • Electric start
  • Electronic Fuel Injection

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