h iguys , im having a litlle bit of trouble trying to decide between these 2 quads.I know that the prairie is automatic, and the rancher is shift. but what im looking for is a powerful quad that can make it through the mud and keep up with some big bores abd fast and agle enough to keep up with some sport machines.basically im looking for the faster and more powerful of these two. and im planning on riding throug alot of mud on them because thats what i do.so if i can just get some opinions i will apreciate them.

 

As I'm a for-sure Honda fan my opinion would be biased, though I understand Kawi's are very well built too. I'll leave the straight skinny to other guys here with more knowledge than me.
Don't want to distract from your main topic but I noticed you're from Miramar. I grew up in S. Fla, and long time past fooled around occasionally on friend's swamp buggies off Alligator Alley or Tamiami Trail--can't remember for sure. In my youth did a lot of rabbit hunting out there too. Does the Green Gestapo let you ATV out there abouts? Or have they entered suit to save the endangered black muck?

 

well as far as goig through mudd the ranchers rock. but they are't very quick, if you want a fast 4x4 get a wolverine. but if speed is'nt as big of a priority, the honda is bullet proof. i will stand by a rancher no matter what. it will probably out last about anything, but what can you expect it's a honda

 

How much does a rancher cost?
You might do better comparing a 350 rancher to a 400 prarie- they are probably priced pretty close if go to the dealer and get his lowest out the door price. speed wise:
a stock 300 prarie 4x4 = 45-47mph($4850)
a stock 400 prarie 4x4 = 56+ mph ($5300)
I've got a 400 and my dads got the 300. The 400 has way more usable power from the bottom up. The 300 is a great,fun ride; but for the extra $450.00 you get a much more repsonsive machine with liquid cooling and a cool digital display.

not sure about the rancher's speed but it does have a large loyal following and if I wanted to shift gears I would probably look at one for myself.

 

let say i was to decide between the prairie 400 4x4 which i know is a powerful bike,and pretty fast for its wieght. which 1 of the two will do better in the mud, speed wise they both range in the 50s so im not to concerned about that.thanx for any advice in advance.

 

let say i was to decide between the prairie 400 4x4 which i know is a powerful bike,and pretty fast for its wieghtand rancher which is bullet proof from what i hear. which 1 of the two will do better in the mud, speed wise they both range in the 50s so im not to concerned about that.thanx for any advice in advance.

 

I've never tried to out mud one so I couldn't say for sure. The rancher has more ground clearance and is supposed to have a new improved front differential although it will three wheel just like a normal limited slip. I saw it with my own eyes last Sat. and if you do a search you'll read post with somer rancher owners say it 3wheels.
If you want a Honda, get a honda. You can join all the other happy honda owners.
Your best bet would be to ride the machines your looking at and then make your decision.
p.s. "pretty fast for it's weight" in stock form the 400 prarie will roast a 300. I've smoked my dad in a drag race with my wife on the back of mine and two bags of #50 corn to boot. Last week I took a stock grizzly off the line for a good distance before he passed me and I'm running 26" tires.

 

Get the Honda ,the motor is bigger.