ORIGINAL: DMcQuinn
The use of bearings vs bushings is much more important. Bearing engines typically put out more power and last longer.
Actually there is very little differance in both wear and friction between the two. In the past some very strong racing engines have used bushings, in fact if the fuel/oil is forced into the bushing so that there is some pressure then the shaft will not touch the bushing and will have less friction than a ball bearing, however the bushings in the low priced engines of today will have slightly higher friction. They last longer than many ball bearings, however they are not replaceable.