don't know which is better for me, will use for hunting and trail riding, and to have fun on. which is faster.

 

I've never ridden a rancher, but my bet is that it's faster. My '02 400 tops out at about 53mph (new ones will be slightly faster) which is more than fast enough for the trails I ride on (which don't require much over 10mph). I think the cat will be smoother and more sure footed than the rancher, though. Both, in my opinion, have excellent reliability.

Oh, and I am almost positive the cat will be cheeper.

 

Both are good!!!! AC has a better ride for sure. The Rancher is a lot snappier and faster.

Personally, I would not buy the ES model. I know quite a number of people who have had problems with the ES. Water and electronics do not bed together well!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] If you don't like to foot shift, the Rancher will be coming out with an auto type tranny similar to the rubicon next year.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

If you can, test ride'em and then you will know for sure which will suit you.

 

i had a '01 rancher and for tight trails and mud it was awesome cuz it was so small and lite. but for getting over trees, rocks or other obstacles (we're talking extreme here) the polaris sportsman put me to shame... where the trail was deeply rutted...the rancher needed more ground clearance... i had trouble in deep water (it sometimes wouldn't shift into or out of gear)..i went thru two top ends and was getting ready to put a third in it when i went to black river falls, wi with my brothers..we put 160 miles on in a day and a half...they had suzuki eigers and after the first day i was draggin...talk about sore...they couldn't understand until i switched with them and then i wouldn't trade back... the hard narrow seat on the rancher and full time four wheel drive was really hard on a guy but even more noticeably after riding an eiger. and since the arctic cat 400i auto 4/4 has the same motor as the eiger (brothers have sunk theres probably 7 times between them and after changing oil they are still running strong) plus the independent rear suspension and good seat i got it...talk about awesome...12 inches of ground clearance (more than polaris) and ten inches of suspension travel...it'll soak up some rough terrain...(you can adjust the shock preload for your style of riding) i put some 589's on mine and a brush guard...the stock tires aren't so good. the only thing is its a bigger heavier machine took a little getting used after the narrower rancher. oh and i almost forgot my stock rancher went 51mph by the odometer and the cat went 57 before i put the 589's on now its closer to 50...also had a lot of air in the stock tires to get that 57....no one else i know with a 400i got that so the odmeter was probably off...still it was comparable to the rancher....look at my profile in the gallery and you'll see a pic of my cat......later

 

Clearance is absolutely a BIG advantage!!!! My buddy installed a lift to his rancher which will help with the clearance issue(now he rides at about stock AC position) heh heh heh, but last12know is right about the comfort also!!!

 

If price is close go with the Artic Cat. The independant rear suspension is a huge advantage off road and the ride difference is WAY better.

 

Well, I just got in from trying out my new Arctic Cat 400. Though I have ridden the Honda Rubicon and it is nice for a big machine , I am very pleased with what I have now. Clearance is really great and has enough power for what I am doing with it. Heavy machine at 644 lbs and a stable ride. I am glad I went with the AC 400. I really like the start in gear feature and the 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive option. God Bless,

 

Jehu, One of the models that I've been looking at pretty seriously is the AC 400 / ACT. What kind of price did you find on one (w/o tax and registration) ? My local dealer also has a 2002 375, so I may opt for the year old model if he works with me. thanks.

 

Yessiree, I lived in Alaska for about 4 -5 years. back in 71'72,73-75,76,77' Fairbanks and Delta Jct.
I priced atvs from East Tex and south tex . I had a spread sheet and went to the dealer and told him I could buy one for 5269.00 drive out and said he would match it . He was closer to where I live so that is where I bought it. It is a 2003 Arctic Cat 400 Automatic . I did not get the IRS but went with the axle. I am using it on my deer farming operation. My friend has the Rubicon and it is nice but full time 4 wheel drive and not nearly as much clearance . The AC 400 has a big gas tank for 4.4 gallons I think , which is about 25-30 % more than any one else. Hope this helps . God BLess,

 

Thanks for the info Jehu. It gives me a ballpark on what dealers outside are getting. Unfortunately theres not much shopping around I can do here, except to look at different manufacturers.

Wow, Fairbanks / Delta in the early 70's. That was sure a different time and place than Los Anchorage.