Briggs Iron Heads, like old Harley engines can be rebuilt, and rebuilt and rebuilt. Ive got a super boneyard of stuff. Elementary school kids can work on them.
Honda aluminum engines are great, and they run long time. But try and rebuild it when something goes wrong.
Pricey parts, when available. Nothing swaps. Japs dont rebuild stuff. They just replace. Toss it and drop another $600 on a mower.
10, 15, 20 yr old Briggs are everywhere. Swap engines onto anything. Cranks swap into everything. Even same year and model Hondas wont do that.
I’ve got a 21 HP B&S V twin running my older Yard Machines ride on mower. No issues, no smoke. Sat under a tarp all winter and fired right up on a refuel of non ethanol premium.
I’ve got a B&S motor on my lawnmower that is at least 10 years old. I bought it used for $60 10 years ago. I often abuse it by running it into thick brush and never had a problem Once I get my money’s worth from it I might buy a new one.