I am wanting to purchase a 300 or 500 Ac 4x4 but I am undecided. I know that there are differences in the machines but which one is better? The 300 is aircooled and the 500 is liquid cooled what is the difference and which is better? what are the pros and cons of each bike? Any information on any of these bikes will be greatly appreciated!

 

The 300 has a triple range sub transmisson that gives you almost as much pulling power as the 500's dual range tranny, but in superlow you are going so slow it's not as efficient as the 500.

The aircooling of the 300 is better if you mud ride ALOT like I do, but the 500 is way better if most of your riding is on less than floorboard deep mud cause it runs cooler when idleing.

The 500 is alot faster and quicker. The 500 is balanced better. The 500 has the same size tires front to rear. The 300 has a locker option if you you adjust it right. Them 500 has less CV joints to worrie about. The 500 has a lift kit on the market. The 500 has performacne parts avalible. The 300 only has a K&N filter so far. The 500 has larger rack and towing ratings. And finially I am at a lost for words.

Overall I think the 500 is way better than the 300, but the 300 has ALOT of bang for the buck considering it's a 300 model.

 

In a nutshell, basically the 500 has more power and speed. It is more stable due to the more forward engine mounting, and will have a little better clearance due to larger tires. It will pull large tires far easier if that option is ever wanted. The 300 may steer lighter, but overall weight is not enough difference to mean anything.
Air cooling and liquid cooling have not been a problem with either bike to my knowledge.

Basically, the 500 is the better quad, but it should be of course and is priced higher. Depends on what you want really.

 

I can only add one more thing, your body size would have something to do with your decision, I would think. The different sizes of the machines fitting to your height and weight. I am a big guy so I like the 500. I never thought I would use all the power that my 500 can put out , but this hunting season I did so I am very glad I went with the 500 now.
Good luck with your decision.

 

In contrast to that, all of the Arctic Cat models use the same frame. Even the 250's. They all have similar dimensions, except for the front bumpers on the 500's. They are a couple inches longer overall. I don't know about differences in seat height, but all of the AC quads will be of the same size basically as far as everything else.

 

Yea, Andy is right.

Besides steering ease of the bike, there realy isn't much difference in the feel of the bike when just sitting at a stand still. But when you get moveing you notice which one weights more, has more power, is quicker, rides better, etc.

 

want2Bmuddy,

Irichard brought up an excellent point about body size. That was probably THE contributing factor when my my wife and bought our Cats last year. I am only 5'7' @ 135# and my wife much smaller than that. At the time, I just couldn't justify spending the extra $$$ for the 500's. We use them mainly as play toys.

However, now that I want to do some serious mods to mine, and there are virtually no aftermarket performance parts available for the 300, I kind of wish I had got the 300 for her and the 500 for me. Hope this contradictory statement didn't confuse you too much.

Mike





Now if I were doing

 

I want to thank every one here that took the time to give me there advice and knowledge in regards to (which AC atv to purchase). thank you.