Two classics, same class, very different vibes. The 70cc pro chainsaw tier is the sweet spot for all-around tree work. These saws will drop a big stem, buck all day, and not crush your back. In this head-to-head, the spotlight stays on the classic vs. classic: STIHL MS 462 and Husqvarna 372 XP. We pulled covers, weighed the powerheads, checked the guts, and compared what matters in the woods and on the job.

What you’ll find here:

• Which saw has more power and a better power-to-weight ratio
• Real weights vs catalog claims
• How each design affects maintenance and uptime
• Where the 372 XP, 572 XP, MS 400, and MS 500i fit if you are shopping smart

Also, yes, it is pronounced husk varna. We tried.

Plenty of pros own both brands. Some switch after a friend chirps, “You should have got the other one.” Both platforms are proven. They just bring different strengths and slightly different lifestyles.

What we hear from users:

• Husqvarna 372 XP: simple, tough, easy to wrench on, long filter intervals
• STIHL MS 462: lighter, faster, more refined user interface, strong dealer coverage

These are 70cc workhorses built for daily felling and bucking. On paper they look close, but small differences matter when you carry one all day.

Notes from the bench:

• The 372 XP we tested is the X-Torq version. It is cleaner and more efficient, but it lost about 0.1 hp compared to the older pre X-Torq 372.
• The MS 462 showed the classic STIHL playbook, lighter powerhead with more power than its rival.

• STIHL MS 462: 72 cc, 5.9 hp, 13.2 lb catalog weight, strong power-to-weight. STIHL rates it for bars up to 36 inches. In practice, 32 inches is a smart ceiling for full-bar cutting.
• Husqvarna 372 XP: 70 cc, 5.4 hp, 14.3 lb catalog weight. Rated for 15 to 28 inches. The X-Torq update cleans emissions, though users miss the bite of the older version.

Real-world use:

• Both will drop and buck hardwood and softwood at pro pace.
• The MS 462’s extra horsepower shows up in timed cuts. It edged out the 372 in the cutting footage we reviewed.

• Husqvarna 372 XP discussed at $1,464.
• MS 462 pricing has recently increased and sat slightly higher in the video, by about 50 dollars compared to the 372 XP, depending on dealer.
• If you want the product details, check the STIHL MS 462 product page.

Shopping this class without seeing the rest of the field is a miss. A few models change the conversation on power-to-weight and price.

• STIHL MS 400: 66.8 cc, same 5.9 hp as the 462, 12.8 lb, 16 to 25 inch bars, 14,000 rpm, magnesium piston. Priced at $1,159. It undercuts both main saws on weight and price while matching the 462’s power on paper. See specs on the STIHL MS 400.
• Husqvarna 572 XP: 70.6 cc, 5.8 hp, 15 to 32 inch bars, heavier than the 372, 9,900 rpm. Priced at $1,269. Newer design, torque-focused tune, modern styling.
• STIHL MS 500i: 79.2 cc, 6.7 hp, 13.9 lb, 32 to 36 inch bars are common. Redlines at 13,700 rpm. Fuel injected. Priced at $1,779. The power-to-weight is wild. See details on the STIHL MS 500i.

Why these matter:

1. Power-to-weight edges matter more than raw cc.
2. Modern tech like injection or magnesium pistons affects feel and fatigue.
3. Price jumps follow performance, so match the saw to your daily work.

Both saws bring a familiar pro layout, but the details change the day-to-day.

• Both: Decompression valve, side access chain tensioner, aluminum wrap handle with about a 3/4 wrap, magnesium sprocket covers, replaceable chain catch, adjustable oiler, pro-grade AV systems.
• Anti-vibration feel: The systems are tuned differently. One is softer with long bars, the other a bit firmer. That is preference based.
• Rewind housings: Husqvarna uses a plastic rewind housing. STIHL uses magnesium and adds ElastoStart for less snapback on your hand.

A quick word on AV: without it, you last about 10 minutes. With it, you can cut all day. Both systems are effective.

• Fuel and oil caps: STIHL flip caps use a coarse thread and a beefy O-ring. They open with a 90 degree twist once you learn the feel. Husqvarna uses standard tethered caps. If they get tight, use a flathead.
• Bumper spikes: Husqvarna’s setup includes a single aggressive dog from the factory, and you can add the second. STIHL ships with a single dog on this model but offers a double-dog kit. The Husky’s painted, recessed hardware looks tidy. The STIHL’s raw aluminum finish looks a bit more utilitarian.

• STIHL: Side-mounted adjuster on the powerhead and captive bar nuts. You will not lose the nuts in the brush. Bar and chain mount quickly since the adjuster pin aligns as you pull the bar forward.
• Husqvarna: Chain tensioner is built into the clutch cover. It is more debris-prone and slower to line up. Small bar nuts are not captive. Many users find this assembly fiddly.

We took covers off both to check filtration, airflow, controls, clutch, and rewind. This is where design choices show up.

• Husqvarna 372 XP:

  • Toolless top cover with a two-piece layout. With gloves on, a flathead helps the latch.
  • Screw-on pleated fleece filter. The rigid plastic flange mates to a rigid intake, so debris can collect at the interface. You can see dust build inside the throat when you remove it.
  • Air Injection uses a centrifuge to spin out big particles before the filter. That helps runtime between cleanings and is a big reason users praise the 372’s filtration.

• STIHL MS 462:

  • Three quarter-turn fasteners pop the top quickly with your scrench. Once off, you get generous access for cleaning, plug checks, even carb work.
  • Washable filter with a molded rubber sealing lip. It seals like an oil filter, which helps prevent fines from sneaking past.
  • Uses the same cyclone idea to send cleaner inner air to the intake.

Quick maintenance notes:

• Spark plug access is easy on both once the cover is off.
• The MS 462 includes a cold port for sub 40 degree use, which warm climate crews may never touch.

• 372 XP: Classic two-stroke layout with a very simple choke rod and a big on off rocker. It is friendly for field repairs and clear to understand.
• MS 462: Modern cast plastics, tidy routing, and a single multi-function lever that handles on off choke. The interface feels clean and refined once you are used to it.

Cooling airflow is a key difference:

• On the 372 XP, air shoots up a shroud and must make a 90 degree turn into the cylinder fins.
• On the MS 462, the fan throws air straight across fins that are aligned at a 45 degree path. It is a straight shot through the engine. That is smart and efficient.

• Pulling the covers shows both use a pro rim sprocket layout with easy service.
• Clutch design:
  • Husqvarna uses a unique leaf-like spring setup. It is meaty and well located.
  • STIHL uses coil springs, a familiar serviceable design.
• Needle cage:
  • STIHL uses a metal carrier with more, smaller bearings.
  • Husqvarna uses a plastic carrier with fewer, larger bearings.
• Rewind and starting:
  • Both use four bolts. Husqvarna engages metal paws mounted on the flywheel. The housing is plastic.
  • STIHL flings plastic paws into a cup on the flywheel. The housing is magnesium and includes airflow shielding. The flywheel scoops are large and efficient.

Serviceability takeaway:

• The 372 looks old-school and approachable, which plenty of users value.
• The 462 looks modern and engineered to move air and manage heat very well. It is not hard to service once you know where things live.

Catalog weights rarely match reality. We put both powerheads on a calibrated scale, dry and without bar or chain.

• Husqvarna 372 XP: 14.7 lb on our scale, vs 14.3 lb stated.
• STIHL MS 462: 13.35 lb on our scale, vs 13.2 lb stated.

The real difference is about 1.35 lb in favor of the MS 462. You can feel that on a long day.

A key truth: catalogs often exclude service items to get lighter numbers, but you will run the saw with a bar, chain, fuel, and oil. In use, expect a total package in the 20 lb range in your hands.

In cutting footage and user tests we reviewed, the MS 462 outcut the 372 XP. It also beat the newer 572 XP in some runs, which makes sense given the power and weight.

Both are great pro saws. The 372 XP is simple, durable, and easy to work on. It is a classic that earns the “tank” label. If your local Husqvarna dealer is strong and you value simplicity above all else, it is a solid pick.

The MS 462 is the winner here. It is lighter, stronger, and built with airflow and ergonomics that help you move faster with less fatigue. The side-mounted tensioner and captive nuts speed up chain swaps. The filter seal is excellent. Dealer support is broad. Pound for pound, it is the better buy for most daily pro users.

If you are shopping the class, two bonus picks deserve a look:

• MS 400 for crazy power-to-weight and price.
• MS 500i if you want top-end performance and can justify the spend.

Both of these legends earn their stripes, but the  MS 462 takes the belt. It is lighter, faster, and backed by strong support. The 372 XP stays a trusted workhorse, especially if you value simple service. If you cut daily and want the best power-to-weight in this matchup, pick the 462. Got time on both? Share your take in the comments and help the next pro pick the right saw.

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