I'm looking to buy a new quad and I'm curious about opinions of the AC 400 4x4 autos. I currently own a two-stroke sport quad and would like a change of pace. I've considered the Suzuki Eiger, since the magazines all seem to get jolly over it. They seem to compplain about AC braking and lack of a sporty feel. I want some sport capability but don't really want another pure sport quad. I ride mostly technical trails and some open farm riding. Any input would be great!

 

Much as I love my AC's, if "some sport capability" is on your list, I'd cross the AC's off. The current 4004x4 auto is the same as my brother's 375 4x4 and while it's "sportier" than my 400, it really can't wear the label well at all. These are great machines if you want stump crossing, mud bogging torque or a die hard utility workhorse, and I love mine for trail riding, but I don't even pretend to race it.

The Eiger uses the same engine, but has a lighter chassis (with less clearance) and is reportedly more sporty. The Yamaha Ute's, in my opinion, reign as the "sportiest" utilility machines. Honda's seem to hold the title on "reliability." Polaris machines are sportier than their Arctic Cat neighbors, but still more utility than sport (again, in my opinion).

The AC 400 wouldn't just be a change of pace from your blaster, it's a whole other world.

 

Hey I know BillBraski! I traded my AC for the new Bombardier Outlander 400 4x4. I would strongly suggest taking a look at this machine and take a ride on one if you can. It is a blast, Auto, IRS, pushbutton 4wd, incredible brakes, and 105 lbs lighter than a SP400. I wanted something to plow with but more sporty than my AC was. Cats are great quads for what they are built for, dont get me wrong. But I am really happy with my new outlander. Speed and Powerwise, it would compare more with the 500. The 500, I would think, would have more low end. But, I rode a 500 and can tell you the Outlander felt like it blew it away on takeoff and acceleration. Mine ran about 400 bucks more than the cheapest AC 400i 4x4 I could find. It was cheaper than the 500i and better fitted my needs (90% trails and 10% work).