I am curious about the speed difference between the Renegade 500 and the oulander 500. I realize th Renegade will go faster but how much? Also besides the brakes being independly controlled what are the real differences. I have some small tracks for my son to ride on and a sand pit behind the house. So I dont need a ton of speed but not always gonna go slow either.
The main reason for a four wheel drive is for wood hualing and some mudding along with trailblazing. Other than that I will be in 2WD 80% of the time. Also how bad do Can-Ams need snorkels?

 

Outlander,Renegade differences.

Looks like they just have different plastic and one has front and rear racks. The Renegade has a little more front shock travel.

 

On the Outy 800 I have been in occasional creek crossings up to the top of the tires, and as long as the throttle isn't let off, you'll be ok. If you're going to be in water over the cvt more than once or twice average per ride, you'd be ahead to snorkle it, intake and exhaust on the cvt, along with the airbox (that's Outy 800 experience, don't know if 500 any different).

Doesn't sound like your riding areas involve much wide open throttle except to purposely go somewhere and do it. Same with me, I've opened mine up once just out of curiousity. Those bikes are kissin cuzzins, should be about the same. I know the Renegade 800 and the Outy 800 Std run right along with each other, but the Renegade has MUCH better suspension, a little better clutching.

I think a 500 is too small for mudding. A 650 Outy would work good for what you want to do, my two centavos.