So i'm looking at buying a new quad and I headed down to the local Arctic Cat dealership to shop around. The dealer says the 650cc is only $300 dollars more than the 500cc and they are both 2008 models. Now I know that all the Arctic 500cc and down have Suzuki engines in them but everything above has an Arctic Cat engine in them. Does this make a huge difference and if anyone has ever ridden one or the other please give me the pro's and con's. Thanks

 

I have a 500 with a manual trans, my brother in law has a 500 automatic both are great quads with NO problems at all. I have not rode a 650, but the 500 has all the power I need. guess it depends what you use it for. We use ours for hunting,ice fishing and trail riding.

 

$300 more for 7hp more ! Go for it. There are people who spend much more than that on aftermarket pipes,jet kits,breathers and clutch kits and gain half as much power.

AC (2007)

400 = 24.8
400 DVX = 36.6
500 = 32.0
650 H1 = 39.3
700 EFI = 41.4

 

My 650 V2 has more HP stock than the 700EFI.

 

It appears that the 650 is the better deal, however there are other things to consider. The 500 is a tough old bird and a proven engine. Also, you probably will get better gas mileage with a 500 - more money to spend on riding and getting out to enjoy the machine. Believe me when I say this - more often than not, too much power is worse than not enough. Many, many years of experience behind that statement. Why is a big high powered engine in a light pickup on snow worthless by comparison to a lower powered heavy pickup - traction. Which would win a race on ice, a blown hemi or a VW? Hands down the VW - the hemi would not even move because of wheel spin and loss traction. So mud is similar in that it is not an ideal traction surface and is slippery like snow and ice to a degree. A 500 has more than enough power for the weight of the ATV. Not because I own one but a 400 is about ideal for power to weight ratio to yield good traction in just about every situation. My 400 will bog down and get some traction when others will break the traction and just spin and get stuck.

Other things to consider - the machines basically are the same which means that with more power, things could break sooner and easier. The axles, CV joints etc are the same. I also don't think that the 650 will SAFELY tow much more weight if any. They will both carry about the same weight because they have the same suspension. Under extreme conditions the 500 may work a little harder but how often are you really going to require that extreme use.

The 500 will be slower on top speed but it is a utility and not really designed for excessive speeds. However 10-20 miles per hour on a trail is still the same speed no matter if it is a 400, 500 or a 650 or what ever size.

My personal opinion is that you would be ahead of the game with a 500 and spend the $300 on gas or a good winch or something.

One other thing to keep in mind is, if you make a mistake while riding you can get yourself into a real mess quicker with more power than with less power and you have less time to correct a situation, and no one wants to hear about someone getting hurt.

My classmate is the local AC/Yahama dealer so we talk often. He tells me that the larger engine machines are in the shop more often for repairs, not only mechanical but also for cosmetic damage like bashed in fenders and front bumpers etc.

It is your money so buy what suits you, these are just some things to consider and my personal opinion.

 

My "Old Skewl" 03 500M [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: CatKrazy

My "Old Skewl" 03 500M [img][/img]











</end quote></div>

Looks like new, no scratches etc. ---- Do you ride it or is it just for show? --- lol

 

Its just for show, but if you ever meet up with me on the trails......I'll show you how to ride cowboy [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Covington pike bottoms is my home trails. Go to youtube. We ride there every weekend just about.

 

Haven't been over to Covington Pike yet but want to go soon. I think it 1 1/2 hr. from here in Jonesboro. Allot of good trails over there? Mike

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Mudbug5

Haven't been over to Covington Pike yet but want to go soon. I think it 1 1/2 hr. from here in Jonesboro. Allot of good trails over there? Mike</end quote></div>

Mike-
Yes, its awesome! you need to make a trip here. I live in Marion, and from my house I can be in JB in 45min tops, usualy around 30-35mins though. The bottoms are 15 mins from my house. There is always SEVERAL quads there. Loads of fun, but bring your A game! Most of these trails (holes) are made from trucks with 44 inch tires. The silt and gumbo had back filled them and makes for some nasty, bottomless mud!