I had an earlier post about the Rancher AT and how people liked it. Sounds like a good machine, but may be a little lacking in power. I can get a Rancher AT for $5000 otd or a Rancher 350 ES for $4500. If I got the Rancher ES I'd probably put a pipe on it and a Warn 424 which would be about $500. Now were up to $5000 and the AT already has the 2wd/4wd ability and more displacement. Would the AT have the same power as the 350? If so I think the AT would be better for me.

 

Interesting question...I've driven and worked on several examples of both, but I haven't been able to compare them side by side or even back to back. Seat of the pants I'd have to say the 350ES feels quicker and faster.

 

Any automatic transmission is going to be less efficient at getting the power to the ground compared to a manual. That is obviously why they had to bump the displacement up on the AT.......to make up for the difference. I would love to see a manual transmission 400!

 

I have relatives that have both. I did have a few minutes of ride time on them. Here are my impressions. The Rancher is more sportier than the AT. The Rancher is more fun to rip around on The At is better for cruising down a trail. Its too bad Honda didn't put switchable 2WD-4WD on the Rancher. You could get the Warn 424 Select, though. Both have Honda reliability to back them up. The Rancher felt it would be better for more aggressive type riding, while the AT was for more laid back type riding. Of the two, I liked the Rancher.

 

Thanks for the info. That's the type of feedback that helps people narrow choices down. I wish there weren't so many choices, but then again it gives alot of options.