What are the differences and similarities between these two ATV's?

 

Similarities, both have push rod engines, which means they are turned 90* for better torque, but not a high revving engine. depending on the years you are asking about, they are both carbed, both full time 4wd(depending on the years). Differences, the 450s have more power everywhere. the 450 has a 3rd head light, depending on the years, the 450 is switchable from 2wd 4wd. some of the ranchers dont have a speedometer (ES). thats some of the sims and diffs. anything imparticular you want to know? IMO the new rancher 420s are better than the foremans. plus the new ranchers are Fuel injected which is a must for all cold blooded hondas, and its also liquid cooled! also has a higher top speed

 

Rancher is more of a trail machine (quick and nimble) the Foreman is more of a workhorse

 

I ride with a 420 Rancher and 500 Foreman. Both have the same speed and power but the foreman is a much beefer machine. The Foreman has a larger chassis, twin back shocks vs the Rancher single shock, larger 25" tires , 55cc more displacement and more suspension travel. Thats why the Foreman cost more.

Both have a OHV motor, so neither is a speed demon.

Here are there side by side specs.
2011 Honda FourTrax® Foreman® 4x4 ES (TRX®500FE) ATVs

 

It would be just for trails and maybe some work around the house. Sounds like the lighter Rancher is the way I should go.

 

I have both a 1998 Foreman which I plow with and use to play and 2007 Rancher with lift and larger tires play machine. Love them both, the 07 is fuel injected and liquid cooled, but is the base model no dash just some lights. Use them both for hunting and hauling, they truly have been tested on some hard terain.

 

Don't kid yourself the 420 Rancher can work if you want it to. 420cc is not a small motor. My 350 Big bear did some tuff chores.
I like the mid size frame of the Rancher, its more nibble on the trails.

 

my 420 rancher with me and my GF about 375LB combined rider weight walked away on a dirt road from my buddy and his gf on his foreman 500 with about 260 LB combined rider weight. the rancher feels sportier than the foreman as well. wish i didnt trade mine in for a RZR except that i dont miss riding double on the rancher...

 

Based on what you're doing with it the Rancher would be my choice also. Get the EfI

 

I own a 05 rancher and an 05 foreman getting off the foreman and on the rancher is like getting of a quarter horse on to a pony.