2.5HP Mercury or 5HP Briggs & Stratton?

Hey Guys,

In about a week, I'm going to buy a small outboard for my 1432 jon boat, and I can only afford one of the motors listed above. I would love to get a bigger motor, but it's just not possible. I could go used, but I'd rather have new.

My question is: since the 5HP Briggs is basically a lawn mower engine on a lower unit, is the smaller Merc. going to be equivilent to the Briggs?

Also, I can't find any information about whether either has a slip clutch. Someone told me "don't buy an outboard unless it has a slip clutch".

What do ya'll think?

Thanks