A couple of you miss the point. This guy is looking at either the 450 or the 500 AC. Not a rubicon. We aren't doing one of those which is better. That is obviously the Rubicon, and this coming from an AC owner. We are answering questions and debating about the two models that this guy is seriously considering. If you want to talk about the Rubicon, just start a new thread, because this one will just get off topic even more.

 

Talk to High Lifter about that. See which has more power after you put big mud tires on both.

 

I did respond to the subject. Heres one thing the Honda has over the Arctic Cat is RESALE value. Until proven otherwise, Honda is still ranked number one in reliability. Some people try to down play this feature.


I fully aware how to start a new thread on this forum. Comparing a 500 to a 450 is like
comparing a Corvette to a Mustang, both are considered sports cars but they are not in the same class.

In my opinion as stated previously, the AC500 is a better ride than the 450.

 

I am glad you aware of how start a new topic. (I too can edit posts) Resale is a good thing that honda has over AC and others for that matter. If you trade often, this is definitely key. Every dealer will trade for a honda. Not all will trade for everything else, at least they won't give you much. Unless you are keeping it for 5-10 years, then this could be a big factor. There are guys here that trade every year or so. I have had my AC for two years and I'm selling it now. I had no idea that I would do this, but I am, so you never know. I had planned on keeping the AC for a long time. I will plan the same way for my next quad, though I just hope a polaris will hold up halfway decent. Another thing while I am at it is little things. My AC rattles a bit with the body panels and all. The honda's panels are all bolted into the frame rather than the cheap interlocking crap that AC and others do. While it doesn't bother me much, and has no effect on performance by any means, it may be important to another person. Nobody finishes out a quad like Honda, but I still think that the AC500 is the better of the two. Thats what I would get (only the manual), but I would still consider a 450 if I was looking. There isn't enough difference in overall aspects to really make one the best over the other by any landslide or anything. For me, it would again come down to the more powerful engine, better ride, and the swingaxle of the AC. Those are the reasons that I got mine, and the semi-indepenant rear end is the sole reason that I wouldn't have anything other than a Sportsman to replace it. Thats me, and thats for the terrain that I ride. If I lived in a different area, then it might not be as important to me, and I might prefer the 450 for its fine points.

 

Thanks guys

 

If you suffer from lower back pain or have weak shoulders avoid the 450 Honda. The 450 will be less comfortable riding.

 

Samurai:
I was trying to avoid this one, due to the amount of trash going back and forth, but I was curious as to how your decision making is going. To get back to your original question "Which is a better machine AC500Auto or 450ES", well the answer is YES.

What I mean is, both are excellent machines and you cannot go wrong with either. Both were two of the 3 machines I looked at for several months before purchasing my quad, and you can see what I ended up with. I personally believe I made the best decision in purchasing a machine that best fits "my" needs. However, what is "best" for "me" may not necessarily be best for "you", and that is what a few people seem to misunderstand. Brand loyalty is one thing, and not necessarily a bad thing. However if you follow these forums, all too often you'll see somebody recommending something that they prefer to somebody that would have no real-world use for that particular model what so ever.

Judging by the two machines in question, I'm assuming you are looking for something to do a substantial amount of work with. I am assuming this due to you mentioning a winch and a plow. Keeping this in mind, if you plan to do any serious hauling with the machine, I would then begin to lead you more towards the AC. It clearly has the highest rated rack capacity of any atv on the market, totalling 300 pounds combined weight. May not seem important to some, but for guys like me who haul alot of gear, and use it for deer or elk hunting, it's crucial.

I suggest you ride each machine as much as possible to get a "feel" for which machine fits you best. Rider comfort is what I consider to be a major factor in purchasing a quad. I'm a fairly big guy at 5'10" and 230 lbs. To me, the 450ES felt "cramped". My legs didn't fit right on the machine itself, and due to past experience with a broken back, I could tell right away that the seated position was going to cause me severe back pain during long rides. When I found the AC, none of this was a concern. Very open, lots of room and very comfortable seat. The longest ride I have ever taken at one time was only about 80 miles or so, but I can honestly say that my back didn't bother me in the least bit when the day was done.

Next, you'll have to compare features of both machines. I'm with Andy on this one. The Honda has it's name and reliability, but compare feature to feature, I think the AC outweighs those minor technicalities. Start with rack capacitiy, as previously mentioned. Next, ground clearance-9.2 stock, wheel travel-7.2 at all four corners, 1050 lbs. towing, disc breaks, rear swing axle, very plush seat and extremely smooth ride, full floarboards standard, completely sealed, selectable 2/4wd, 4.75 gallon fuel tank, etc. I'm sure you've got the brochures, so you get the idea.

If you're worried about the working abilities of the AC 500 Auto, scan around through the AC forum. I've got several work stories floating around with stuff I've done with my Auto. It has never let me down, and always done what I have asked of it.

Best of luck in your decision and keep us informed as to what you decide upon. OH, as for the price variance, AC has the winch deal back again, so that shouldn't even be a factor. And, for the couple hundred dollar difference, that's a small price to pay for what will make YOU happy.

Good luck.

Mike

 

Cowboy, Great post! I'm very thankful to have the experience of you and all the others. I have had the chance to ride two 450ES'. The Cat dealer only had a 400 manual to test, but said it was the same frame and suspension as the 500. Is that really true? I did feel the ride was more comfortable than the 450ES, but I'm not sure if it would be an accurate comparison. I mean a 400 manual vs. 500 auto. There's bound to be a difference in ride and an obvious difference in power. Am I on the right track with this?
-Bob

 

The ride on the AC400 and AC500 would be the same. They have the same frame and suspension. The power would definitely be less on the 400. It is slightly less on the 454 than the 500, but not totally noticeable unless you try taking off in a higher gear. Speed between the 454 and 500 is close. Maybe 1-2 mph difference on the top end. The 400 is a 371cc so it would obviously be less like you said.

 

The 500 auto might ride even better than the 400 cause it has a longer wheel base.

But the 400 (for 2001)is basically an underbored and under stroked 500 with smaller tires up front, different grill, and no 2wd. Other than that it is basically the same bike.