Does anyone know the horse power of the Artic Cat 300? I wish manufacturers provided this since it would make comparisons between different machines easier. I am trying to decide should I buy a Arctic Cat 300 or get a Honda Rancher ES? I am not trying to star any brand wars. I know the Honda has a bigger engine 329cc vs 289cc and it has electric shift. The Arctic Cat has independent suspension. I just want to make sure my next machine is powerful enough. I just sold my Yamaha Beartracker which had a 230cc engine. It was a little on the under powered side.

thanks,
45acp

 

I think the manufactures all have a deal that they won't advertise their HP numbers. I am not sure why. I have not driven the 300 but it looks like a good machine. Go to a dealer and they will let you take it out. It would work out best if you had a dealer that sold both Cat and Honda's, then you could find the one that fits you the best. Sorry this isn't too helpful, good luck and let us know what you get.

 

Either machine will do well but neither are speedsters. The A/C is better in rack capacity, ground clearance(IRS) and fuel tank size and the Honda has got an excellent reliability record. My friend has a Rancher and it goes plenty fast, at least 35 MPH and the A/C will probably do that also. The A/C has selectable 2 to 4 Wheel drive where the Rancher is full time 4 wheel drive. If you are worried about power/speed etc. I would step up in size. Its cheaper than upsizing again next year!

 

45acp, i have an AC300 and i think you will find it under powered. they do have the 3 range tranny which i like, but for most people they are to slow. the best bet is to try out the brands you are looking at and decide from there. i would test drive something in the 400 class like the AC, Foreman, Big Bear, or the Kodiak.

 

I don't see how anyone would buy the AC 250 or 300 and not be aware of the fact that these are large framed sport/utility rigs, not sport go fast jobs. That said I own a 2001 AC 250 and guess what?, here in the northwest I seem to be able to stay up with all the 400, 500, 600, 650 and 700 machines. Cause unless you have a major beach or a desert you won't have that big a straight for them to get that far ahead of you. As to grunt power, they haven't gone anywhere or over anything I haven't and done it one one hell of a lot less gas. Why do ATVers all have a Tim "The Toolman" Taylor mentality of more power?

 

Ha ha ha... now that's funny! Obviously you don't play very hard.....

 

Wires;
I play about as hard as anyone my age can, at least with as many things that don't work right anymore. But you need to remember that I am very good at doing things with stock equipment. Was National Champion twice and set 3 records that still stand while racing tunnel boats in the 1980's. I had no sponsors and did all my own work and driving. That means getting the feel of your machine and getting the most out of the rig.

Bear

 

I'm just saying you've never been in some hard core stuff.

Where we go, you need at least a 400 to get you through the muck, and a lot more ground clearance than a 250 to get you over the debris. Unless you use the winch a lot... then I take it back. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

wires, dont knock the AC300 because it is small. with the 3 range tranny it can deliver allot of power to the ground. i have my 300 lifted and with the outlaw tires i can go allot of places. durring moose season my friend got his 600 griz and trailer stuck in a hole. i came up behinde him and in low gear pushed him out of the hole then drove my AC300 and trailer through where he got stuck. then when we left i pulled half a moose in my trailer and all my gear on the ATV 20 miles back to the river with no trouble. untill the 650 cat came out i would not have traded my AC300 for anything.

 

I think you can see the HP on the dealers original ownership papers from arctic cat to the dealer then it goes to you that's why you never see any readings. I actually saw my original papers at my dealer and my 2003 arcticat 500 has a "get this" staggering 31 HP WOW LOL. it's funny cause i've seen some mags that have put my cat on a dyno and have claimed only 11HP I thought this to be full of S**T, plus this mag seemed to favor Polaris. I don't know what the HP of a 300 is but I will find out check back later.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]