Which quad would you get, the sportsman500 or A.C. 500 Automatic?

 

Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!! If you want answers to this, go to the Polaris forum, and set your settings to posts within the last 90 days or something. Search for a while and you will find one called Sportsman 500 vs. AC 500. This is the longest post ever to be made on the forums and has like almost 400 total posts in that topic alone. It gets off track mainly, but you will find a lot on it. Actually, I may just go dig it up myself, and then it will be easier to find. When you post on it, it will come right back to the top of the list.

 

OffRder15:
While Andy is looking up that huge list he is talking about, I'll give you my two cents on the topic. First of all, I don't think you can go wrong with either quad. They were both 2 of the top 3 that I looked at. I went with the AC 500 Auto for a couple reasons however. One, the Sportsman 500 is going for right at $7000-$7200 out here, and the dealers would not negotiate at all. I got the 'Cat for $5800, so I really couldn't complain about the price difference. Also, while both machines are fairly large, it just seemed like the 'Cat "fit" me better. Can't explain really, it just did.

Not sure what you really want it for, but I wanted something that could tow a substantial amount, when needed, could handle a plow, and that I could throw a lot of weight on the racks. The AC has the highest rated rack capacities of any quad on the market, at 100 lbs. frt, 200 lbs. rear, as stated by AC. Polaris is rated for 90 lbs. frt, 180 lbs. rear. Granted, not much difference, but 30 lbs. is 30 lbs. For towing though, the Polaris has the edge, at 1,225 lbs. rated, while the AC is rated at 1,050. That extra 225 lbs. would be nice, but I can't justify the extra $1,400 for an increased towing capability.

One of the other things that has been a big issue lately, is the fact that Polaris has the "true" four wheel drive, while the AC has a "limited-slip" differential. This has posed a problem for several of the guys around here, and on the other side, hasn't been noticed as of yet, by several others. Oh, Polaris is slightly heavier than AC as well, at 697 lbs. dry weight, while AC comes in at 648 lbs. dry.

I have right at 100 miles on my 'Cat, and have loved every bit of it, with more to come. It's gone everywhere I have even remotely thought about going, and a few places I shouldn't have, without any problems. I would recommend you test drive each of them, to see which you like the best. Both have their good, and bad points, but I believe both are great machines. However, no matter how big, bad, and great they are, they will still get stuck, so I would also recommend getting a winch with the quad.

I hope this is of some help to you, and best of luck in your decision. You can't go wrong with either of them.

Mike

 

Cowboy, As A polaris owner, (as well as a 2 Yamahas, and 2 Hondas) I want to thank you for a well thought out response that didnt involve any bashing. Both Quads have Strong and weakpoints, and you Obviously made a choice based on your needs. Which Coincidentally, Is How I think Everyone should make a choice.

Happy trails!

Ron
96 xplorer 300
96 Warrior WAY built
88 Fourtrax 70
87 Cr500
85 V-max Bike

 

Its like Chevy vs Ford....
Each one has its high points the ArcticCat has few fancy features but it is biult that way for a reason ,,,dependability,,,the 'Cat is an awsome Utility quad .
The sportsman would in my opnion is a semi sport quad, The Ac would be better compared to the Magnum.
Both are great quads a guy I work with has both a Sportsman and a magnum. My Cat willl go Places his Sportsman willl not even thing about going but its a 95 model, I have never been up aganist the magnum bucause it has spent much time in the shop (over 3000 miles.

 

Its like Chevy vs Ford....
Each one has its high points the ArcticCat has few fancy features but it is biult that way for a reason ,,,dependability,,,the 'Cat is an awsome Utility quad .
The sportsman would in my opnion is a semi sport quad, The Ac would be better compared to the Magnum.
Both are great quads a guy I work with has both a Sportsman and a magnum. My Cat willl go Places his Sportsman willl not even thing about going but its a 95 model, I have never been up aganist the magnum bucause it has spent much time in the shop (over 3000 miles.

 

Well I own both and both are great bikes, I was lucky in the priceing so it didn't much matter the Cat was $6200 and the sportsman was $6000 so both are great bikes the few differences I find are that the sportsman is for the more experienced rider it doesn't feel as stable as the cat going up steep stuff till you get used to it but after you do the 4 wheel drive system will out pull the limited slip, the Polaris does require more maintenance but the ride is better with the independant suspension...either one you choose you can't go wrong...

 

I own a 2000 AC 500 auto while my uncle owns a 98 Sportsman 500 and a 99 Sportsman 500. I've spent many hours riding both. The independent rear suspension is tough to beat after a day on the trail, but the AC is also comfortable. I would take either if the price was right. The only reason I took the AC was because of price and the local AC dealer is more reliable.

I would agree with Cowboy on both the positives and negatives. Both are excellent machines. My uncle did have some problems working with the dealership and the factory on a warranty issue. But is was finally resolved to his satisfaction after much negotiation. This problem still didn't deter him from buying the 2nd Sportsman 500. I've never had the opportunity to work with AC on a warranty problem and can't testify as to how they are to work with.

Overall, either would be an excellent choice. Good luck in your choice and hope you have many hours of good trail riding.

 

The Auto tranny on the arctic cat is alot like yamahas auto tranny,it provides constant tension on the belt. This constant tension allows the belt to wear better and last longer. The Polaris auto tranny allows slack to build in the belt when the throttle is let off. When the throttle is applied the tension is taken back out of the belt.This constant flexing of the belt causes more wear and stress on the belt. With this said, I'm sure there will be a response from A Polaris owner who has put a million miles on the original belt.

 

I compared both and chose the Cat. After much consideration I just couldn't see myself performing the required maintenance to the Sportsman. I knew it would get neglected and parts would be getting replaced at my expense and MY fault. I ride with alot of guys who have sportsmans and I do like them. They are faster when full throttle, but we don't have that opportunity very often. Both are excellent machines!