Not even a close call. The washer from Northern has a better quality pump. Comet makes a decent pump, it has a brass body, ceramic pistons vs a noname (possibly Faip) aluminum bodied pump on the Sears unit. Pumps are the weak point on cheap washers.

Engines, to me, are a toss up. The GC190 seems to hold up well in pressure washer apps. The Briggs and the Honda both have aluminum bores.

B&S, Generac, and Troy-Bilt all sell a version of the Sears unit. Lowes has it for $389.

Thanks, dpunisher. It was pretty clear to me too, that the North was the superior model. I just needed a little nudge to make my purchase. The Comet pump looked to me to be superior. The craftsman pump said it was "made in italy" but not sure by who. It did appear to have a brass manifold, but I'm sure they don't have ceramic plungers. The two year warranty on the Northstar as opped to the one year on the Craftsman clinched it.