is there alot of differance between these two? as far as power, speed, and what not???

 

mag = solid axle, sp = IRS i believe is your biggest difference

just depends on what you want to use it for, work solid axle, trails IRS

 

I have both Magnum and Sportsman. Mag. is 01 325 and Sp is 08 500. For basic use the major difference is IRS and ground clearance, if you are looking at the same CC (500). If you don't need the clearance and the bells and whistles the sportsman has the Magnum will do anything you need. I have (best guess) 8000 mi on the Mag and 700 mi the Sp. so time will tell, but both so far have been great except for a bad axle boot on the Sp.

 

i believe it is thew same powr plant, so power should be close o the same.imo

 

Rear suspension and the 2002 Sportsman has the HO (high output) motor..We have both also..

 

The Sportsman has the H.O motor the Mag does not. the difference is the H.O has a larger carb and a higher duration cam which gives it more power from mid to high rpm.

 

I would take the 500 Magnum over a Sportsman even with the lose of power.Due to the fact that it has less parts to wear out and to grease.The solid axle give more of a controlled feel to it.

 

Both excellent machines. Personal preference as to which is better.

Sportsman - more powerful engine, 4" more ground clearance, better ride with independant suspension but more complex rear suspension (and two more cv boots to tear).


We have had 6 Sportsman 500s in the family (1, 2000, 2-2001s, 2-2002s, 1- 2004 and 1-2005so it is obvious which machine I prefer.