Yes i have heard alot about the new 2001 Arctic Cat 300. I liked everything i read. I am going to trade in my quad and the dealer has a 1998 Arctic Cat 300 4x4. I have heard bad things about just about every other kind of Actic Cat about not enough power. BUt the 300 they say is exactly the right fram with the right motor. So my question is is an older Arctic cat as good as the 2001. OR is the 2001 a totally new quad. please help. thanks

 

Well, I think the 1998 will be ok, but it will lack a few features the new models have.

Like start in gear, softer seat, better steering geometry, better fuel petcock location, better dash, and I think thats it.

About the lack of power bull$h!t, thats all it is. I find it stupid that a Magazine can call an AC 500 underpowered. IF it's so underpowered why can a stocker like mine pull such large tires? Hell, I know a guy with a BIG BORE 634cc Grizzly can't even turn 28x12x12 Outlaws all around, but when he swtiched tires with his buddy who owns an AC500 he got totally killed.

I think the mags that call these bikes underpowered are basing it JUST ON SPEED. Thats where the cat suffers. It's not a speed demon.

 

The same goes for the 300 that you are looking at. Some people equate speed with power. It aint so...
The 300 isn't a speed demon by any stretch of the imagination, but with the transmission that it has, and it's selectability it will pull just about anything you want to tow. The 300 developes it's power in the gearing of the tranny. Ask anyone who rides one, or the 300 Suzuki for that matter.

 

I have a 98 Ac 300 and i have to agree the 300 is no speed deamon. But mine has all the pulling power i could ever want or even use. one thing you might like is a speedometer so you can keep track of the miles you put on it. my dealer quoted me $100 to put one on my machine. i havent done it yet and because i havent felt the need for one yet. ride both and see what you think. you will be pleased either way. Good riding.