What about ground clearance? The Z250 has less than the Ozark. Big difference in the snow any how. The chain of effect we for getting stuck in the snow was sport quads fisrt, Recon , Ozark and then very shortly after the 4x4.

 

Actually partially true -- if you took away the plastic and the racks from the Ozark you would pretty much have the dry weight of the Z250. There is a small difference in suspension travel, however.

 

I still beg to differ. There is enough differece to really affect the ride. There are big differences between the two...

Z250 Ground Clearance: 230mm (9.1 in.) / Ozark Ground Clearance: 210mm (8.3 in.)
Z250 Dry Weight: 166kg (366 lbs.) / Ozark Dry Weight: 183kg (403 lbs.)
z250 Suspension Front: Independent, double A-arm, oil damped, adjustable preload, 6.1 inches of travel / Ozark Suspension Front: Independent, double A-arm, oil-damped, 5.5 inches of travel (no adjustment)
z250 Suspension Rear: Swingarm-type, oil damped, adjustable preload, 6.1 inches of travel / Ozark Suspension Rear: Swingarm-type, oil-damped, 5.5 inches of travel (no adjustment)

Just because two platforms have the same engine, it doesn't mean they're the same machine. I own a 1979 Trans Am powered by a 403 engine. In '79, you could also get an Olds Vista Cruiser station wagon with the exact same drive train. No one would dispute that there is a world of difference between a Trans Am and a station wagon. The suspension differences between the Ozark and the Z250 make a world of difference too, especially if you've ever bottomed out after a jump. Don't forget - not only is there a difference in actual length of travel, but the Ozark's shorter suspension also has to absorb more force from it's extra weight.

 

The Z250 engine is actually tuned different than the Ozark and puts out slightly more power and also weighs less. I have an Ozark and my friend has a Z250, the Z250 is faster. The differential is the same so ground clearance should be almost the same if the rear tire sizes are the same. So if you just want it for play and don't need the racks get the Z250.

 

z250 has smaller tires, maybe yields less ground clearance. if you dont need racks and plastic, you have to buy the z250. its quick and smooth. lots of fun and quite different ride from the ozark. I know I have them both. 1st 2nd gear much more fun on z250. i use the z250 for hauling butt. i use the ozark for slow swamps - it has mud tires on it. test drive them both at the shop. you'll notice the z250 is much quicker and more fun for hauling butt.

 

truth is the Ozark came out first ,and then Suziki came out with the z250 because they were looking on filling a sport gap in there line up .
the frame is the same, the engine in basic build is the same ,just different tuning ,different shocks ,and tires .
but an al together nice beginnger ATV