I'm in the market for a new 4x4. I had a 650 Prairie but sold it, the ride was horrible. I'm looking for something with an independant rear suspension. Was leaning on a Grizzly, but after hearing about all the overheating, boiling gas, vapor lock, and broken shafts I'm now looking at other brands. I rode with a few 700 Sportsmans last year and I thought they performed very decent. Now the question is, is it really worth spending an extra $500 for the 700? I can't imagine that there is a drastic difference in performance between these two machines. What do you guys think??

 

Just my .02 baut I would spend the extra 500. the 700 has been out longer, and it also is 100cc's bigger.

 

To be honest, when I test drove the 600 and 700 I couldn't really tell any difference. I opted for the 700 because I wanted the mossy oak camo, but I'm sure you will be happy with either one. The way I look at it, what's $500 when you are already spending $6000-$7000. Even if I hadn't wanted the camo, I would have probably still bought the 700.

 

What is the weight difference? I heard the only difference in power is all at the top end. I heard you get 5 MPH more out of the 700. My buddy told me he raced a 600 with his 700 and they were dead even at the start and he barely pulled away at about 57-60 MPH where the 600 topped out and he tops out at about 65. Again, just what I heard. No real experience yet. I pick up my 600 tomorrow morning. Unless I really want the yellow one, then I will have to wait another week.

Cheers,
INKMAN

 

All reports I have heard is that the 600 runs right with the 700 until it tops out. If speeds over 60 MPH aren't important to you, I would go with the 600. The chassis is identical, and the 600 is basically the same engine as the 700, but with smaller pistons, and a shorter stroke crank.
Unless the 700 has something you really want the 600 doesn't, I would think you could better spend the extra $500 towards a winch or something.

Farmr

 

I totally agree. In fact I just faced the same decision that you are facing. I originally went to the dealership to buy the 700 and walked out with a 600. I rode both extensively at the test track and the only difference that I could tell was at what point each bike hit their power. The 600 was a lot smoother on the power curve, and the 700 was a little bit more aggressive. I figured top speed was so close that the 600 would be better for trail riding due to the smoother acceleration. To tell you the truth, I think the 700 is a little over rated. The 600 is every bit as good, and at 500 cheaper you might as well put on a winch and bumpers. Just my opinion.

 

The Sportsman 700 is an awesome machine. I have had mine for just over a year. The Sportsman 700 is actually 683cc and the Sportsman 600 is 597cc. Everyone is talking about top speeds up around 65 or 70 MPH, but I haven't gone above 45 MPH due to the fact that I don't want to have my family come by and pick me up with a scoop shovel. If you want speed, get a Predator, it is designed more for speed, or get a speed bike. But that is just my opinion, I don't like going fast on an ATV that is designed for off-road. Another reason to get the Sportsman 700 is so you can say you have the biggest, baddest ATV on the market today. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I have an 02 700, and there are 3 Sp 600s in our group. Not worth the money. I really don't think I can see any difference between them. Unless you need Mossy Oak or get a smokin' deal on the 700, save the bucks for something else that really matters.

 

I have a 700, but if I didn't get a great deal on it, I would of got the 600. I think even Polaris see's that the 700 isn't worth the extra $500. In the 04 models, they took the chrome rims and rack ext off the 600.

 

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]Hey Mitch CYR, Do yourself a favor & go for the 600. Try for a 03 instead of 04. Better deal now that the 04's are out. Plus you get the rack extenders on the 03, its an option on the 04's. Myself, i think the 03's are better looking than the 04's. Heed what Farmr123 says, its true. I bought the 600 & would have even if they were the same price. So put the cost of rack extenders with the $ 500 & get a winch , brush guard, rear bumper & still have money in your pocket. And please get good insurance, & secure your machine at home. All you have to do is look at this forum to see which one has had the most trouble. Check out my post on the polaris forum, Stolen! Polaris Sportsman 600. Happy Trails Pal , Jerico1