How would you rate the AC 500 against the Rubicon for over all power, handling, and traction? Just curious[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Never driven a Rubicon, but I'm sure the biggest difference you would notice would be from the swingarm compared to the independant (or semi-independant) suspension. Honda's have generally had good power, but I think the Rubicon is more of a touring machine while the 450 and 400 are the torque monsters. Not saying the Rubicon is weak, but I think it's geared higher than the other Hondas. I could be wrong though. Keep in mind it does have two ranges.

 

buy the cat my buddy has a rubicon thats been to the dealership 3 times this year i=once it was major all new front diff!!!!$$$$$$$$ anyways buy american and keep america rolling

 

Don't worry about that! I wouldn't buy a Honda unless Arctic Cat and Bombardier went out of business![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I was impressed with the Rubicon. The acceleration is so smooth its unreal. Its like the engine never even revs up. For some reason it steers smooth too. 5 times better than a 450 honda. The ride is really good, but I don't think its as good as the AC. The difference is miniscule though. Power? Well, it doesn't outrun a 454 Cat by too much. It will beat it easily, but the 454 wasn't very far behind. I guess I'm saying it won't just run off an leave it. The main thing there is how quick the transmission works. I mean there is zero hesitation. Traction?? I don't see any reason the surtrack is better than the AC differential. When I saw them, they both got stuck in the same spot. Stability-- All Arctic Cat all Day. Can't beat the swingaxle over a swingarm no matter how you cut it.

Which one? Hard to decide and it just depends on what you want. If its me, I go for the money. If one is 400-500 less than the other, I get it probably. The Rubicon has its advantages, especially over the automatic AC500, but the Arctic Cats also have their advantages as well. For acceleration, I think the Rubicon has the slight edge. For raw torque, the AC probably does a better job of pulling its weight, especially the manual shift model. The AC is just a tough with less electrical crap to break down the line in my book as well.


If you throw the 500i into the picture, then the Rubicon loses out. At least for me.

 

I have to say that the Rubicon has one smooth transmission. I just don't think that it has the power though. The 450 seems to spin the big tires better. The AC has no problem spinning big tires either. If I had to have an auto quad right now it would have to be the Rubicon. Just because I don't like belt drives. The idea of an auto is great. Ride all day not have to shift, no problems. It never worked that way for me, and I've had 2 belt drive auto quads. But I believe the AC beats the Rubi in ride, price, brakes and suspension. I think durability is a toss up. The Rubi is better handling at higher trail speeds. But that Rubi does have a smooth tranny, but I would hate to have to repair it. Or any of that other fancy electronic stuff.

 

I think the main advantage of the Rubicon would be acceleration. The Rubicon is very quick, though it's not necessarily that fast.
Without a doubt the Rubicon is a bit more of a tourer than the AC, and the AC would have advantages for work. The AC will be at a disadvantage for hill climbing and sport riding, and the Rubi's lighter weight will help it for spirited trail riding and in the soft stuff, like snow and mud.

Which would I want? I'd love to say the Cat, because I love the look of the '01 500, and I've almost convinced myself a dozen times to get get one. But it's just so damned heavy...

I do think the AC will be more durable in the long run though. I would not want to own a Rubi that wasn't under warranty. Too much electronics and fancy, expensive stuff to go wrong.

As for any comparison between the 450 and the Rubi, there's nothing the 450 can do that the Rubi can't do better

 

<< As for any comparison between the 450 and the Rubi, there's nothing the 450 can do that the Rubi can't do better >>



Lets see the Rubicon shift into 2wd. Or run 20 miles straight with out any water.

Sorry, just had to do it.

 

<< The AC will be at a disadvantage for hill climbing and sport riding, and the Rubi's lighter weight will help it for spirited trail riding and in the soft stuff, like snow and mud. >>



I will have to disagree on the hill climbing part. I haven't seen many quads that can climb as good as a AC 500. They have gobs of torque and are heavier in the front than the rear. The front end stays down much better on an AC than a Rubicon. Plus if it is rutted the rear axle will articulate and keep all 4 wheels on the ground and pulling better than any non IRS quad.

 

The Rubicon does have a better ride than the 450 and the Rancher, but they no way compare to the ride quality of an ACT suspended AC.