im looking into buying a mid-size ute (around 500cc) and i think im bought on the AC's lol So i was just wondering what everyones opinions and the good and the bad stuff about these two quads::

2005 AC 500 4X4 auto
2005 AC 400 4X4 auto


thanxs.

 

power and speed is about the only difference between them

 

LOL, imagine having to call 500cc's "mid-sized".... 1000cc's must be coming [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

I have an '05 500, my brother in law has an '04 400... I'm pretty sure the additions to the '05 400 are the digital instrument pod and the front diff lock... That said, I think (as Andy alluded to-) you'll find both to be similar, and capable. My brother in laws 400 tackles everything that my 500 does, some things better, some things worse, and all reasonable comparisions I can make are based on the operator... I bought the 500 knowing the 400 was all I would need, and have yet to be disappointed-

Thing(s) I dislike about the AC500:

I'm totally unimpressed with the rear brake, it really is only effective for holding the bike on the flat or the slightest of grades. (though I knew about this going in....) The hand brake works spot on-

I've had minor electrical issues, all of which I can attribute to circumstances not the bikes fault, and all easily correctible (had a stone lodge in the foot brake light switch, bashed the front end into a tree and then blew a bulb at only 11 hours, etc., all normal wear and tear).

The '05 500 is an awesome machine, IMHO.

 

tahnxs. I was looking at the free DVD i got from an Arctic Cat dealer and they look real NICE lol. So im just deciding between the 500 and 400. I think ill go 500 just for the extra power.lol

 

I went with the 05 400 manual. Reason 1. I like to shift myself. 2. Dealer told me not worth the extra $1100 + for they are the same machine just 100cc bigger. Why pay the extra money for the same unit? for less then $400 I can do add ons that will equal out to the same power range. However if money is not an issue go 500. I love my 400 even though it is LIME green ; ) you are safe with an Arctic Cat no matter your choice.

 

I bought the '05 400 manual just before Thanksgiving. I am usually the guy with the least cc's and unless we do alot of road running with major straight aways I keep up fine. The 500 auto can not out accerate me off the corners as I always down shift and keep the revs in the upper part of the power band. I also get better fuel economy than the 500s. Last weekend we went of a little ride up in the mountains with snow the whole trip and lots of trail and hills to climb after the 8 miles in on the roads. I came home with just under 1/2 a tank and everybody else was sweating having to top off on the trail. None of the 500s did but the 500 I ride with most told me he put 4.6 gals in his tank and I only added 2.9 gals. I mean more power has it's limitations, in the snow and ice even the 660 and the 750 couldn't go up the hills any better than I could, it was al technical riding and to much power was worse than anything else. I even had to much power on everything except a few of the roads on the way in and out.

 

I just bought an 04 500 in Sept and wish I had waited on the 05 for the front locking diff. I love my 04 though, I came from a Polaris 400 and the AC takes some getting used to because it is geared quite a bit lower. Mainly noticed in low gear. Man its a stump puller but dont expect to go over 7-10mph in low. I think 10 is a stretch in low, sounds like the cat is about to explode if you get her that fast. It really is nice to be so low though when going down very steep grades, it just crawls down with no brake effort. Love that!!! There is not a huge difference in my opinion in a 400 and 500 and I weigh 250#s.
Good Luck on your purchase

 

well i think we all know arctic cat is not known for speed, but like sumdumgi said it has hell a low end. i have a 2002 500 and my friend has a new 05 400. he does a little better b/c of the diff lock. as far as speed we are not far from each other. its only a 5 hp difference between the two. 400 with 25 hp and 500 with 30. if you can get a deal on a 500 like i did(saved $1100) id do it other wise save the money and go with the 400, me and my friend go the same places without problems.

 

Unlike what has been posted, the '05 AC 400 and 500 - they are not the same or about the same except for the engine (ie., power and speed)... there are some differences.

And let me first say was looking at the AC 400 for about 3 years and when it came right down to it this september the $900 or so extra money for the 500 DID seem worth it to me when I was really considering the 400 LE for 5999 or the 500 (normal auto) for 6199 - as such, the difference was only $200. (although I do still need to still get a winch)

The differences that I know off the top of my head include: (the 500 has)
larger engine (of course)
rear gas tank with side fill (as such, there is a glove box in the normal gas tank spot)
larger rear tires
rear plastic with 'scratch resistant' finish
better looking 'new' style headlights
food boards are larger as I recall and I think look a little better


Anyway, there are some differences yet I think both machines are good and it is probably hard to go wrong with either!!!! It might be interesting to see what the '06 400 looks like.

It perhaps could be that the 500's extra weight and slightly larger size make it slightly less nimble ... but I have not tried the 400.

good luck.

 

yea i liek how teh 500's look more too lol