MEP engine failure, 50% power loss = 95% performance loss.
Without doubt all the MEP's I have flown have been the most demanding to aircraft to fly on one engine, unlike turbines that air quite forgiving , the turbine that I have flown that required as much skill to fly with engines not working was the Electra with two out on the same side.
All things considered in the hands of a low time pilot an engine faiure in an SEP is much safer that an engine failure in an MEP.