RE: power output = gas vs. nitro
The original question was "What has a better power output overall, gas or nitro?"
The question is simply a power to weight ratio question.
Does a 25cc gas engine put out as much power as a 25cc nitro engine? The nitro setup would be lighter so if the power were the same the nitro wins. This is not a question of longevity, fuel costs, mess, costs, setup, throttle response...etc.
It is simply a question of how much horsepower per pound of weight. If they weigh the same, the nitro would probably be larger size (cubic centimeters or cubic inches) to equal the weight of the smaller gasser due to its ignition system weight penalty. Without any actual testing, I would guess from my experience that you get more power (per pound of weight) out of a nitro.
So who has seen any dyno testing in this area? This must be an apples to apples comparison. Same weight engines and what is the output of each.