Hi, I have been researching these two atv's very hard and there are some things I like and dislike about each. I like the Rubicon tranny more than the SP and i like the weight advantage over the SP. But I like the clearance and suspension travel of the SP. Here are some questions to some of you who have experience with either of the atvs. Thanks.

1.Which is the better workhorse?
2.Whick is faster?
3.Which is better for mud and trails?
4.Which is more reliable?

 

Hi and welcome to the forums!

1.Rubicon
2.Sportsman
3.Either
4.Rubicon


It all depends on what u want, the rubicon is more of a work hourse and the sportsman is more sporty, if your going to do trails and mud only, get the sportsman, not saying the rubicon is bad at those either, and if you want ruggintesity, the rubicon might be better,win win situation, i truly would not trust polaris,
but thats my .2

 

get the sportsman the rubicon is slow.

 

1. Rubicon
2. Rubicon
3. mud - Sportsman, trails - Rubicon because of the engine braking
4. Rubicon

I have run a few SP 500 HOs, and no, they are not faster. Their top end might be a few mph higher than the Rubicon's, but they are not quicker. All stock, i have out run 2 out of 3. And with the 05 being able to run in 2-wd, I am sure that will make the Rubicon even quicker.

 

the sp 500 is the tougher machine,go ride them both and deside for yourself..

 

for a workhorse i think the rubicon is better. the tranny is unbeatable. as for the fastest, ive beaten a sportsman 500, i think top speed is about the same maybe a hair more on the HO but the rubicon i think is a little quiker off the line. a for durability my friends old sportsman never had any problems other than tough steering and my rubicon had a frozen brake pedal and a sticky choke both 5 minute fixes. for slower speed trailriiding the rubicon is very nice and easy to ride. cant really comment on the sportsman's ride for i have never really rode it for an extended amount of time. but both machines are very nice and you will enjoy which ever you choose.