I have had both, or, rather, an 036 which in performance is gonna be about equal to the 361 [same displacement, etc.]. The 034 is a good running saw and the differences are, to me, minimal. So, unless you want a different saw for the heck of it, keep the 034 and think about the next step up from the 361 to a 70 cc or thereabouts. I'd have bought another 034 but by that time they weren't available and the 036 had taken their place, so to speak. I am cutting the same size wood with the 036 I always have, and run a 20" bar rather than the 18" I ran on the 034, but both saws did really well in the same wood. I am very happy with the 036, was quite happy with the 034, and am now also running a 441 with which I am also happy. Keep the 034.