I trying to buy a new bike and can't decide between a polaris and arctic cat, I have owned 2 500 polarises and my brother own one now. I want the bike with the most ground clearance and the most low end torque I do not care about top end speed. I have test drove a 500 cat and liked it and l like the 500 polaris to, any replies or comparisions would be appreciated.

 

Well I got a bunch of friends with 500SPs and love them. Then you have me with my slower, limited slip Cat that goes everywhere the SPs go. Guess what I'm saying is that you can't lose either way. Belts for the Polaris have a life time guarantee and are relatively cheap compared the other belts (Yam, Suz, Cat). The Cat lacks all the tricky electrical stuff like wheel sensors, and the digital/needle speedo. The Sportsman (this is strictly my opinion) feels more top heavy than the Cat, also it has a sway bar which limits the suspension in really rough sections. Better tires come on the SP, and the seat is larger so 2-up riding is much more comfortable. It's a hard choice see which dealer will give you a better deal.

 

I would get the cat, I have now seen the 500i's in action and you can pull off crazy technical stuff. I might have been able to do the same stuff to but rubi has all of that neat $digital stuff to break.

 

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We own three Sportsman 500 HOs, a Scrambler 500 HO, and a Trail Boss 325. I've ridden with guys that have the Arctic Cat, to me there is no comparison. The Polaris outperformed in every aspect. The ride alone is enough to make a difference. NO offense to anyone, but that Cat looks funny to me. I think it's that there's way too much room between the tire and the fender. Kinda makes it look tipsy.

I would recommend the Sporstman to anyone. Just my 2 cents.

 

No offense taken, 400x, frankly, I think the Polaris machines look funny (but I think they're fine machines).

Bigjames, becayse you said "I want a bikwith the most ground clearance and the most low end torque I do not care about top end speed" I would go with the Cat. It'll probably cost you less, it's (arguably) more reliable, and it certainly has more clearance. What it will NOT be is as fast, but this is something you didn't care about.

I've seen polaris machines fall apart in a tumble that the cat would survive from (though they'd certainly take damage too, just not as much).

Ultimately, though, YOU are the one who has to live with it. Go take a long hard look at both of them. Take them for a test drive if possible. Buy the machine you can live with most.

 

AC 500I... Less technical stuff to break, takes BIG tires without lift, solid machine.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

Go with the 500i. The 2003 is supposed to have more power. I am new to ATV's. I have 43 acres of hilly property on a ridge in W Va. The Cat has handled everything I have tried with it. 12 inches of ground clearance and independent rear suspension, low end power and torque. If you don't care about the speed...go for the Cat.
The main thing is test drive them both and buy what you like best. Another consideration is which dealer will serve you better.
What are the differences in prices?
I got my 2002 500i auto for 6K with the winch installed.

 

the dealer close to home wants 6500 for 2003 cat with the winch and front and back after market basket racks installed, to me that is kind of high but he says he only received 7 and he has sold 2 already, but the 500 polaris is the same price with nothing on it

 

bigjames,
Sounds like a good deal to me. The winch will set you back 4-500 dollars installed, the baskets 150-200 for the set. Do all 2003 Cat's come with the IRS or do some still use the ACT suspension? Make sure you get the IRS. Have you had a chance to ride both of them?

 

all the cats are irs but you can get the 400 with regular axle still but not the 500 yes i have ridden both machines and from what i can tell the cat in low range first gear seems to have tremendous power. i need to buy one fast because duck season starts sat.