After much effort and visiting 6 dealers for my first ATV the choice has come down to these two 2003 models.

I would appreciate anyone who has either to let me know thier thoughts, especially if you have done this comparison prior.

Here's what I think:

OUTLANDER 400 - ATV of the Year $8000 cdn (Showroom model for $7700)

- 3 year warrantee
-Apparently fantastic suspension and driveablity
-Good power output
-Nice features
-I have yet to drive, but will this weekend.
-Body panelling seems thin
-lights very small (do they light well)
-seems no one will give winch away....

POLARIS 400 Sportsman $8100 cdn

-Drives very smoothly
-Like the upper headlight
-lots of dealers with parts in area I will use it in
-Includes 2500# winch
-very heavy
-high centre of gravity
-comfortable
-steers very well
-Interesting electronic console

At this point it seems the Polaris is slightly cheaper with winch, but the Outlander comes with a 3 year warrantee.
I have no idea how much flexibility there is in negotiating or in having a dealer throw in something like a helmet, pdi, or whatever...

 

If it was me i wouldn' go with either one i would go with the suzuki eiger 400 beat the polaris and outlander in the shootout.

 

You cannot go wrong with either. I highly recomend the Sportsman because of the good luck with the five (1999 to 2002 SP 500 models) we own as a family. I have purchased two and will own nothing else. I ride with every type of machine you can think of and the Sportsman is top of the line. The ride is smooth and predictable and the ground clearance makes the sportsman an incredible off road machine. The only advice I would give is spend a little extra for the 500HO instaed of the 400.

 

They are the only two 400s in the class with suspension so either choice is good depending on what you want to do with it. The Outlander is a LOT quicker & faster. I like mine ( green 2004 )