What is one of the main advantages of the Cessna 172's four-stroke engine design?

The four-stroke engine in the Cessna 172 is designed to be more fuel-efficient compared to two-stroke engines. In a four-stroke engine, the intake, compression, power, and exhaust strokes occur in separate phases, allowing for more complete combustion of the fuel-air mixture. This results in better fuel economy because more energy is extracted from the same amount of fuel.

Additionally, the four-stroke design typically operates with a lower specific fuel consumption, which means that for every horsepower generated, less fuel is used compared to two-stroke engines. This efficiency not only extends the range of the aircraft but also makes it more economical to operate over time, leading pilots to save on fuel costs during flights.

Other options, while possibly relevant for different contexts, do not highlight the inherent benefits of a four-stroke engine as effectively as fuel efficiency does.