Just curious what the difference is btwn the 2002-2003-2004 AC 500 auto. I just bought the 03 and pick it up thursday. I read that there was a bigger carb and other modes made to the engine from the 02 to the 03 model? What has changed? Any other changes made btwn the 03/04 models? Thanks!

 

i owned both the 02 and the 03 500's before both great solid machines but the 03 had about 20 percent more horsepower i dunno exaclty what they did to gain the ponies but they did. and i have no idea about the 04 500's haven't even driven one

 

Your 03 should have a manual shifter for 4x4 and the 04 I believe went to electric shift and may have a diff lock.

 

In 2002 the motor was retarded on the timing and the compression was less. This had something to do with Suzuki not giving AC the exact same motor as what is in the vinson. In 2003 that changed and AC got the exact same motor which counts for the additional horse power. In 2004 they added radial tires, digital speedometer, and electric 4x4 shifter. In 2005 they added the MRP rack system as standard, redesigned the plastic, tank, and installed the diff lock. The 2004 model did not come with a diff lock.

 

02 and 03 models had a problem with axels breaking under great abuse, Arctic Cat also went to stronger axels in 04.