Either one will give excellent service. Both will start easily if properly maintained. A quality 2 stroke oil for the Toro will have stabilizer added but do not forget to add it to the Honda fuel. Blowers tend to see infrequent use depending on the weather.

My experience tells me that I would advise you
to stay away from the single stage units.
When you get into the slushy wet stuff, they
won't cut it. Years ago I had a single stage
'thrower' and it taught me a valuable lesson.
The 'throwers' are good in the light fluffy
snow, but other than that, will disappoint you.

I agree with lbpod. On those few days where snow is wet and heavy, a single stage is inadequate. If you really don't get that much snow and want something small, consider a "compact" 2-stage. Ariens, Toro, etc. all make them.

gorper99, where do you live? Do you get dumps of heavy snow or lighter dustings of cold dry stuff? The single stage units work very well for cleaning down to the asphalt, something the 2 stage units are unable to do.

Wisconsin.We get both kinds of snow.Last couple of years we have not had any major ones like we use to have.Most of the time we may get 2-6 inches and probably 2 a year that are 8-12 inches.I am retired now so have plenty of time on my hands.I sold a Toro 521 a few years ago and it was just the correct size for the room I have.My Ariens was an ST824 but too big for the garage in our new place.Driveway is only 10x50 with a slight slope.Would a single stage pull OK,with an incline?Leaning toward the Honda 4 cycle,but the higher HP single stage seem pretty expensive.

I would back the 2 stage snowblower. I think the single stage does not have the power you would need for a wet snow.

I would check out the smaller Ariens, Toros and Simplicitys. I believe all three manufacturers have the size you need in a 2 stage model.

Enjoy the journey.

eal51 in western CT

It is really tough to beat the Power Curve snowthrowers. You can't, repeat can't plug them. You can stop the auger with a load of wet snow, the snow slides down the funnel shaped chute, hit the auger again and the way you go. They handle wet slushy snow better than any 2 stage. generally it takes a good 2 stage even to compare with the amount of snow they can throw. They need a concrete or paved surface to propel themselves by- an incline is no problem by the way. They will throw gravel, to with a gravel drive you must let the first snow lay and pack. They will clean normally down to the surface but won't pick up the compacted car tracks.
What do they struggle with? Remember that plow truck driver that took extra care to pack the snow in the end of your driveway? That stuff is makes these difficult to use as well as snow that is much over the height of the rotor. It will get it done however.
What to leave in the store? The style with the rubber auger.
They perform poorly, clog and wear quickly. (The Toro Power curve and similarly styled units have more of a scoop style.) If you like an adventure, try one out at the dealership 1st good snow. you will be amazed. You may be standing in line, but you will at least have some PE to make and informed decision.