I’m purchasing my first ATV and am torn between the 400auto and the 500auto. Mostly going to use it for trail riding and recreational use. I’m leaning toward the 400 for price mainly, but have a few questions I’d like to get some input on.

I live in Texas and will be riding in the summer heat. I saw the 500 is liquid cooled vs air for the 400, you guys that ride in the heat notice a sizable different in temps?

As far as power goes, is there a significant increase in power in the 500 over the 400 (enough to justify the $700-800 price increase?)

Any other differences or things to be aware of? Any input is much appreciated!

 

Sounds like you know the answer your just being cheap!
Yes theres a big difference in power between the 400 and 500.

 

ive got an 06 400 4x4 auto and its awesome and unstopable it rides so smooth im 250 lbs and my bike doesnt even know im there im a simple person and could have bought the 500 but bought the 400 because of the price difference but i cant even imagine the power of the 500 because the 400 hasnt left me wanting more yet i do the same riding as you and i think its perfect as far as the cooling i dont know much about that its winter here so i couldnt tell you but i havent heard any one complaining either way you wont be disapointed good luck

 

mwd,

I believe the 500 and 400 are the same machine except for the engine. Same towing capacity, rack weight limits, physical size. So its a tough choice either way.

Another way of thinking about the cost difference is this: the initial price difference is $700-$800 but, how much more would it cost you if you go cheap and get the 400 and then a year a two down the road decide to sell your 400 and get a 500? It could possibly cost you more.

I have a 400 manual and a 500 auto TRV. I would say that my 500 auto only slightly out performs the 400 when doing the same tasks. I think this has to do with being an auto transmission. The 500 is water cooled and the fan seems to run all the time and my temp are not near what you experience in Texas. While the fan on my 400 has came on one time when pulling a trailer through some nasty stuff for about 30 miles.

There is a significant power differnce between the 400 auto and 500 auto.

Another thing to consider is what is the cost of fuel going to do? These "big bore" ute's use fuel and I if the price of fuel goes higher ........?

Also, sounds like you are leaning towards the 500 which is a good choice.

Hope this helps

SJ

 

The difference in power is pulling a wheelie or not which isnt that important! (and top end speed) But my dads friend just bought a 400 and he loves it. It is said to be the perfect all around ATV, inpeoples opinion. Good on gas, enough power for almost any task, and enough top end for a fun ride

 

I own 500's and after riding a 400 it felt like a youth machine in comparison. ( I was going to say girls bike but I didn't want to offend anyone)

Water cooled is a must.
There is no such thing as to much power. Its a throttle - not a on-off switch.
Power is like fuel in a airplane - you only have to much when your going to crash

When I'm deer hunting sometimes I need more then just trail riding power. I guess thats where I'm coming from. Its not about the ability to turn the wheels in sticky mud - that can be done in low gear just about all the time. Its about momentum. When you have 10 feet to get all the snoose you can before heading up a 60 degree incline - you do not want to come up short..

I wish I had a buck for everyone who buys a 400 and then comes online here to find power improvement help where they spend $1000 in add -ons and performance equipment when that money would have been better spent on the bigger quad in the first place. It adds what $34 to the monthly payment??

 

If you are interested in more top speed (like the 400's 50 mph isn't fast enough, my 400 manual will do 52 GPS and 54 on the speedometer) then spend the money for the 500, but the difference is only a couple of mph anyway. I think doing wheelies is just hard on the equipment and proves nothing as to the machines abilities. However I ride with both 400 and 500 autos regularly and the 500s have never gone anywhere my 400 hasn't gone and the 500's gas mileage is worse. The 400 also does not have liquid cooling which I feel anothe plus, as the liquid cooling is just another problem (leak plus another pump) waiting to happen. The 400 is Arctic Cat's biggest seller for a reason and it has nothing to do with top speed.

 

I REALLY have to agree with Bear on this one. I own a 2005 AC 400i auto. I've had it for about a year and I have to say that I wouldnt trade it for anything. I've ridden 500's and yes they do have more power. I wouldnt say its A LOT more, but it is very noticable. Would I trade the fuel mileage, the air cooled motor, or the size difference? No way. Is the size difference that big? 60 pounds (with fuel) and 3 inches in length. The specs say that they are the same height. I think the overall height may be the same, but the 500 felt like I was sitting higher. Maybe it was just me. Is the weight that big of a deal? It felt like it. It was noticeable to me. I can move my 400 by hand, but for some reason couldnt do the 500. Not back and forth...I mean pick up the front or back end and swing it one way or another. It's handy in some situations. As far as the liquid cooling vs air/OIL cooling I would say this. I've read in several places how AC tested the 400 engines in extreme temps. I've never heard of one overheating from normal use, and mine has never had a problem. I've ran it for hours in 90+ heat doing hard trail riding. That and as Bear says...one more thing to break.

Am I saying don't get the 500, or it's a bad machine? NO WAY. It rocks! Wha i am saying though is that it depends on what is important to you. I personaly think that the 400 is the way to go for me. I've NEVER been outran except on hardpack straight roads, and even then it wasnt by much. A few MPH at top end...big deal. I dont run top speed anyway. It's begging for trouble. Saving the money was well worth it.

 

Thanks for the great informations everyone, much appreciated.