I have never owned a Tower engine but I have broken in a couple of the .46's for friends. Me and a buddy of mine have identical Tower Trainers that we use for beaters/ combat. Mine has a 13 year old Thunder Tiger Pro .46 and his is running a Tower .46. In straight and level flight his will pull away from mine every time. When it was new they were more of a fair match for each other but after almost a gallon fuel that Tower Motor has came to life. I think a newer TT motor would be a better comparision. Overall I think they are a hell of a value if you are patient with them during break-in. Plus that pipe sounds awfuly cool! Now would I take one over a TT Pro .46? Probably not. I have not seen any of them as old as my Pro .46 yet so the jury is still out on that. THe pro .46 is another great value to look at in that size range.