Deciding between the Predator 3500 and Champion 4500 can seem challenging at first. Find out what option is the best for you.
The main differences between the Predator 3500 and the Champion 4500 are that the Predator 3500 has a slightly lower sound level, a 120V 20A L5-30R twist lock outlet and a two-pin 12VDC outlet, seemingly a longer commercial warranty, and often a slightly lower price.
On the other hand, the Champion 4500 has more starting and running watts, a longer run time, more efficient fuel usage, a 120V 30A (TT-30R) and a 12VDC automotive-style outlet, and a longer residential warranty.
If you want a few decibels less and/or a 120V 20A L5-30R twist lock outlet and a two-pin 12VDC outlet, the Predator 3500 could be the right choice for you.
Even so, many people will prefer investing just a bit more into the benefits of the Champion 4500.
It is worth mentioning that this generator is even sometimes more budget-friendly thanks to temporary deals.
Important differences Predator 3500 vs Champion 4500
The Predator 3500 and Champion 4500 vary to some extent in many areas.
That being said, these differences will typically not all be equally important. In the table below, you can find the ones that are typically the most relevant.
| Feature | Predator 3500 | Champion 4500 |
|---|---|---|
| Running Watts | 3000 Running Watts | 3500 Running Watts |
| Starting Watts | 3500 Starting Watts | 4500 Starting Watts |
| Run Time @25% Load | 11 Hours | 14 Hours |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 2.33 Gallons | 2.3 Gallons |
| Fuel Efficiency (kWh Per Gallon) | 3.541 | 5.326 |
| Sound Level | 56 dBA | 61 dBA |
| Outlets | (1) Duplex 120V 20A 5-20R, (1) 120V 30A L5-30R Twist Lock Outlet, (1) Two-Pin 12VDC | (1) Duplex 120V 20A 5-20R, (1) 120V 30A (TT-30R), (1) 12VDC |
| Warranties* | 2 Years Limited Warranty | 3 Years Limited Residential And 270 Days Limited Commercial |
| Price Category** | $$ | $$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
**Price category at the time of writing
Other features Predator 3500 and Champion 4500
You may also be curious about the smaller differences and common features of the Predator 3500 and Champion 4500.
These can sometimes play a role in your decision too.
| Feature | Predator 3500 | Champion 4500 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Voltage | 120 Volts | 120 Volts |
| Portable | Yes | Yes |
| Recoil Pull Start | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Start | No | Optional |
| Electric Start | Yes | No |
| Low Oil Shutdown | Yes | Yes |
| Fully Enclosed Design | Yes | Yes |
| AC Frequency | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Engine Displacement | 212cc | 212cc |
| Built-In Digital Smart LCD | Yes | Yes |
| Hour Meter | No | No |
| Fuel Gauge | Yes | Yes |
| Wattage Meter | Yes | No |
| Run Time Remaining | Yes | Yes |
| Engine Type | 4 Stroke | 4 Stroke |
| Low THD | Less Than 3% | Less Than 3% |
| Remote Generator Operation | No | No |
| CO-Minder | Yes | No |
| USB Ports | No | Dual Port Adapter Included |
| Outlet Covers | No | Yes |
| Parallel Ready | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 102 lbs (46.3 kg) | 95 lbs (43.1 kg) |
| Dimensions | 22.75″ L x 17.3″ W x 20″ H | 23.2″ L x 17.7″ W x 20.1″ H |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Country Of Origin | Not Mentioned | China |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
Differences Predator 3500 vs Champion 4500 in-depth
People who are more experienced with generators could be able to make a decision between the Predator 3500 and Champion 4500 with the main differences and a quick look at the prices.
That being said, you could also benefit from a bit more of an explanation about the consequences of certain features.
In that case, the details below could help you make a better decision.
Starting and running watts
The main reason to get a generator is that you want to power certain electrical devices.
Because of this, the differences between the Predator 3500 and Champion 4500 in starting and running watts definitely deserve an extra mention.
Starting watts are relevant in the sense that certain machines need an extra burst of power to get started.
After that, you will need running watts to keep your devices going over time.
The Predator 3500 offers 3500 starting watts and 3000 running watts.
On the other side, the Champion 4500 is a nice amount more powerful with its 4500 starting watts and 3500 running watts.
In practice, the Champion 4500 will be able to run a few extra small devices but this is not the biggest difference.
Some electrical devices like certain air conditioners need more than 3500 starting watts. For these, you will need to get the more powerful Champion 4500.
Winner: Champion 4500
Run time Predator 3500 vs Champion 4500
Run time is how long a generator can run on a full tank.
This is relevant because refueling your generator does require some time and effort which you likely want to spend on other activities.
With the extra power it can generate and similar fuel tank size, you would expect that the Predator 3500 performs better in this area.
However, the opposite is the case.
The Champion 4500 has a run time of 14 hours at 25% load whereas the Predator 3500 has a run time of 11 hours at 25% load.
This difference comes from how efficient each generator is with the fuel.
With the numbers above, you can roughly estimate that the Champion 4500 is able to produce 5.326 kWh per gallon whereas the Predator 3500 is “only” able to generate 3.541 kWh from the same amount of fuel.
Winner: Champion 4500
Outlets
The amounts of power generators can create from what amounts of fuel are not the only important details.
You also need to be able to connect your electrical devices to these power sources through the right outlets.
Both the Predator 3500 and the Champion 4500 have a duplex of two 120V 20A 5-20R outlets.
Besides that, the Predator 3500 also comes with a 120V 20A L5-30R twist lock outlet and a two-pin 12VDC outlet.
As an example, the twist lock outlet can be helpful if you have machines you absolutely don’t want to be disconnected.
On the other side, the Champion 4500 has a 120V 30A (TT-30R) and a 12VDC automotive-style outlet.
A 120V 30A (TT-30R) outlet can be useful for certain types of RVs.
What you want to power and what adapters you have available will influence whether you prefer the Predator 3500 or the Champion 4500 in terms of outlets.
Winner: Predator 3500 if you prefer a 120V 20A L5-30R twist lock outlet and a two-pin 12VDC outlet
Winner: Champion 4500 if you prefer a 120V 30A (TT-30R) and a 12VDC automotive-style outlet
Price
The Predator 3500 and Champion 4500 both have their own areas where they positively stand out.
If you don’t necessarily have a big preference for one of these areas, the investment required for these generators could help you make a decision.
At the time of writing, the Predator 3500 tends to be a bit more budget-friendly than the Champion 4500.
That being said, with any somewhat decent temporary deals, the Champion 4500 can swing this difference the other way.
Winner: Predator 3500
User reviews Predator 3500 vs Champion 4500
The feature differences between the Predator 3500 and the Champion 4500 are definitely important and a good place to start.
At the same time, sometimes there are some unexpected downsides generator brands don’t always mention on the product page.
That being said, the Predator 3500 and Champion 4500 are very similar in customer reviews.
Both in terms of overall positivity and in that there are a few exceptional cases where the generators experience technical difficulties (that tend to get resolved by customer support and/or warranties).
In simpler words, besides a few exceptional issues, users tend to be happy with both the Predator 3500 and Champion 4500.
Is the Predator 3500 or Champion 4500 better for you?
So the Predator 3500 is slightly quieter, has a 120V 20A L5-30R twist lock outlet and a two-pin 12VDC outlet, seems to have a longer commercial warranty, and often has a slightly lower price.
On the other side, the Champion 4500 has higher power capacities, a longer run time, better fuel efficiency, a 120V 30A (TT-30R) and a 12VDC automotive-style outlet, and a longer residential warranty.
Individuals who really want to avoid a few extra decibels and/or want a 120V 20A L5-30R twist lock outlet and a two-pin 12VDC outlet can go for the Predator 3500.
That being said, many people will prefer the advantages of the Champion 4500. Especially when there are deals that make it more budget-friendly than the Predator 3500.
If you want more information on this machine, you can also check out the in-depth Champion 4500 inverter generator review.
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