Looks to me the new 90 is built on the smaller 1298 cc block that they have used for many years for the 70 hp engine, whereas the new 100 is built on the larger 1950 cc block that was formerly the 90 and 115.
The old block 90 (and 115) weighed 416 lbs, so if the new one is 75 lbs lighter, it weighs ~341 lbs, quite a bit lighter than the ~370 or so for the older Honda and Yamaha 90's.
I'd welcome the weight loss on the transom, but, personally, I'd rather have the big displacement 090 over the smaller one, just because I assume the larger displacement engine would have more torque, a longer life span, and I just think you're not taxing the engine so much all the time.
The same trend is happening in autos, I believe.
To make cars more efficient and meet EPA and other guidelines/requirements, engines are getting smaller and developing more hp for their given displacement.
The smaller engine uses less fuel at idle and slower speeds, and the smaller displacement engine is simply more heat efficient.
Equivalent hp is developed through more efficiency, higher reving, and the employment of technological developments, especially in the computer engine control sector.
But that's just my take on it, not having read any real analysis of what's happening, so maybe instead off offering you all my 2¢, I'm in error and will have to take a big fat zero on this post!
Marc at Wefing's should be able to set us straight on this!
Joe. :teeth :thup