looking to buy my first atv, i have a choice between the 03 700 with 400 miles on it and an04 500 sportsman with the same mileage, I'm not doing any work with this atv, just riding probably alot of 2 up and some winter riding in the snow, what i would like to know is what is the top speed on these 2 atv's, gas mileage, reliability (very importanT), basically which is gonna be the best deal, ihave read the 700 is a little tippy, I do like sliding the rear end around!!! oh yeah both bikes are the same price, any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

The 500 is Polaris's best selling machine for a reason. You can't go wrong with buying one. The 500 is going to get you much better gas mileage plus the 700 has no back-up recoil rope. With all the great things about the 500, I bought the 700. Not because it was better but because it is easier to slow a 700 down than speed a 500 up.

 

as far as being tippy, there the same bike w/ a differnt engine so that makes no sence. fuel milage is going to be a big differnce. thats the only 2nd year for the 700 so i would go w/ the 500 since theres only about(guessing)8 mph differnce between them.