The Bennington 2080 RL 2004 vs Bennington 2080RL 2009 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Bennington 2080 RL 2004 at 19,0 ft versus Bennington 2080RL 2009 at 20,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bennington 2080RL 2009 tips the scales at 2 553 lbs - 833 lbs less than the Bennington 2080 RL 2004 at 1 720 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 90 hp, the Bennington 2080 RL 2004 has a 88-hp advantage over the Bennington 2080RL 2009's 2-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Bennington 2080 RL 2004 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Bennington 2080RL 2009 caps at 2. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Bennington 2080 RL 2004 could be the deciding factor.