In the August issue of ATV ACTION, there's a shootout between the two above acaptioned quads. They conclude that unless you live in a cold region, the 700 carb version is the better quad. They cite price difference ($600 MSRP) and more low end snap as the reason ing behind picking the carbed version. The EFI version does beat the carbed version in the 100 yard dash though, barely. However, they said that the 700 carbed version wheelies easier. Overall, they picked the carbed model as the winner.

The only thing I would add is that at both discount Tennessee dealers, there's a $700-$850 difference between the EFI and the carbed models. So, if you live where there's not extremely cold temps and/or the elevation is normal, the carbed model is clearly the way to go.

 

I see pros & cons between the 2 and I'm undecieded on which one I would buy. I can work on a carb but I don't know about the efi. I can buy alot of gas for $700-$850. The efi gets better gas mileage compared to the carb. My 700 starts with a bump of the switch and does not need any warm up time to ride so the efi would not benifit me at start up. If I went to buy one tomorrow I guess it would be a toss up. Just my 2 cents.

 

The article also said that early 700's didn't run cleanly but that Polaris had corrected this and tuned the 700's engine and transmission to get up and go more quickly when prodded. If you don't live in cold areas or in the mountains, I would definitely get the carbed version. Also, you can get the carbed model for $5,483 in your state at Polaris of Chattanooga. That's a hell of a deal for a big bore utility. I think that's the best deal PERIOD for a big bore.

 

I used to own a carbed 700 and found it hard to start in winter and always ran rough until it warmed up (I live in NH so it gets to 10-20 degrees). Whenever I went hunting in the winter months and wanted to warmup he machine, I couldnt let it idle just after start up, I had to babysit it. Now with the EFI I go ouside turn the key and go inside to dress up knowing the machine will be fine and wont have to be babysat. I did notive an increase in MPG, I just got 81.8 miles on 4.5 gallons of gas on almost all open roads with speeds around 30mph average, which I think is pretty good for a 700cc.

 

My buddy just bought a carbed 2005 700 at Polaris of knoxville for $6300 out the door with a couple add ons.

 

I would get the EFI, unless you like tinkering and know how to jet.
If your always in a warm mild environment with no evevation than maybe the carbs the way to go.

The early twins needed a cold start update but are fine now.

Also the first EFI machines had a hotter cam, team clutch and a few other extras and now for 05 the 700s are all the same except where neccesary for EFI.

Polaris tunes the PVT constantly year to year.

Jim

 

The sweet deals are on the carbed model right now, they have more of a rebate than the efi model.

In our area, it has a lot of weather changes, the efi's have always without a doubt run better than the carb model, around here, to run spot on, jetting is always messed with. The efi always runs the optimum air/fuel ratio.

 

I read that article and they said part of the test was at 7000 ft and noted little difference. I think the biggest advantage sounds like the cold morning start ups being easier. For me $800.00 is alot of money and will buy several add ons for the carb model. A couple of minutes with the choke is no big deal (and thats all it is) we have alot of cold mornings in MN and I still have a hard time paying $800 more for the EFI. In reading this forum it also seems like there are far more questions about EFI codes and issues with the system that would not occur with the carbed model....

 

i will second that. you hit the nail on the head there. especially the "babysitting" thing!

i don't think you'll find to many folks that transitioned from carb to EFI to ever consider a carb model again.

you guys say Polaris "updates" the carb over the years. what did they change? sounds like just salesman hype to me.

also, unless you own your own gas pump, the EFI FAR OUTSHINES the carb with EXCELLENT fuel efficiency. i know, i owned both. BIG difference! ATVAction is just plain STUPID to overlook the MPG issues we now face as fuel creeps towards the $3 mark.

later,
~MT[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]