I think their niche markets as well. The Power Arc 200 is a heavy duty stick welder that you could use a scratch start tig setup. Where as the 160 has all the DC tig function you need, and is a better tig welder that you can also use a stick welder. If you need more of the tig function then go with the 160. If your looking for more of a stick welder then the 200 is a better option. I have burned 10lbs of rods over 4 hours with my 200 and never missed a beat.