I'm debating between the two. I see that the specs give the big bear the advantage, but how about, reliability. I want something that can climb, go through mud, and still have enough sport to fly around corners, on hard pack trails.
thanx for the help.

 

honda racher has all that you want on a atv and more. honda ranchers are vary sporty and vary powerful and vary vary fun to play with. TWO WORDS
FOR YOU [HONDA RANCHER]

 

Get the 4x4! If you do any serious mudding, or serious hill climbing, you will kick yourself for not buying 4 wheel drive. I have both 2 and 4 wheel drive utes and rarely get on the 2 wheel drive. I'll probably pi$$ off some 4x2 owners but that's the way I see it. Sure, they are probably more manuverable, and turn tighter than a 4x4, and you can do donuts easier, but when it comes to climbing and mud, you can't beat the 4x4. Last weekend my brother and I took both my quads out (not such a good idea since he is an idiot) but, where the 4x2 (350 Moto 4 with whoolys) has to really be beaten to climb some of the hills that we were on, I can climb just above an idle. If you have ever had any experience with 4x4s in general, you'll understand what I'm talking about. So you have to make a new trail if it's real tight, that's half the fun.
Then you get into the utility issue. It's not impossible, but tough to plow snow, or pull a major load with 2 wheel drive. Again, I'll probably get roasted over this comment but, that's the way it is. Banchees and EX's have their place, don't get me wrong, but if your going to do much riding, other than flat out, get the 4x4. Good luck.

 

I agree completely... get the Rancher, because of it's manual tranny, they're good for hill climbing/mud running/river riding/etc...
BUT, I think you should get the 4x4 edition of the Rancher... just my opinion!

If you can't drive fast, you shouldn't be driving!

 

What you want is a 4x4 with the type of riding you mentioned in your original post.

 

Big Bear is faster and stronger!
Go for Big Bear
My friend has one and it go anywhere he wants even in 2 feet of mud. He can keep up with my Wolverine!

Wolverine16
99 Wolverine bone stock