I'm narrowing down the search for a new quad to these three. I will use the quad probably 90% for fun riding around on the farm and going on the some weekend trail tips into the hills. It will be plowing snow on our gravel driveway though in winter. I'm 6'1" and weigh 220 lbs and am an experienced dirt/trail bike rider.

I like the Suzuki the best with its good accceleration and stable ride but have some concerns over a belt drive quad - the comments I've read from other riders give this quad a thumbs up with the shifter a bit tough to shift until the quad is broken in.
The Kodiak comes next - fun to ride, very sporty but seems a bit narrow. Other riders have commented on its tendancy to tip or roll on steep bank uphills trails or driving along side ruts on trails at higher speeds (quad wants to roll) - anyone feel the same way? I also hear the Yamaha belt drive system is the best belt system out there.

Rubicon seems to meet my needs the best especially since it does not have a belt drive but the quad costs $1000 more than the Vison or Kodiak, it does not have the sporty handing of the Kodiak nor the acceleration and higher top end speed of the Kodiak or Vinson, and you cannot select between 2wd a 4wd.

What realistic problems will I see over the next 5 years with the belt drive? The Rubicon hydraulic transmission seems to be far better but is it a big deal if I only drive through water 2-3 times a year? Also is the acceleration and handling of the Vinson realistically that much better than the Rubicon?

 

I can't say anything about the other 2 quads cause i haven't rode them,but I have a rubicon and I am very happy with it. I traded in my 450s when i heard the rubi wouldn't be getting the switchable 4x4 this year.
The difference between the 450 and the 500 is nite and day. I am a honda man because i believe they can't be beat for reliability. That hondamatic tranny is pretty sweet in my opinion.
I have a well tuned/ maintained 250r sitting in the garage and it has barely moved since i got the new Rubi about a month ago. Part of that is I am getting old enuff ( 30 something )I don't need the speed like i used to. But the rubi does all the chores, Pulls a mower and trailer around etc. Plus it will plow snow this winter but i get a kick outa slamming around the same berms i rail my 250r around after I have finished with the work type stuff. I don't believe the weight will be anymore of a problem on the rubi than any other brand.