I can't comment on the gas because I don't have mine completely broken in.

But, I have found several differences that make it better than my '00 sp500.

1. The torque is phenomenal compared to my 500. I think if you worked at it you could pull the
the front end off of the ground. It is also much quicker than my 500 was.

2. They redesigned the front end making the steering much easier. For a big machine, I think
that a small kid could steer it.

3. The machine seems more stable when going around corners. My 500 would sway more than this
machine.

4. All in all, it is a lot more of a machine. They beefed everything up. And I love it.

Hope this is helpful. They did a very nice job. I don't know what you get for fuel economy with your 500. I got 22 miles to the gallon while trail riding on dry trails. I don't forsee getting that good of mileage with my 700, but if is in the upper teens I won't complain.

Of couse when I was out on the Lake this winter plowing and pulling shanties around, I got very poor mileage with my sp500. So time will tell.

 

very good!
thanks for the info!
-MT