Hello, I was looking for opinions on these two machines. Had my mind made up on the Vinson, until my visit to the dealer. He was out of the camo Vinson's, but showed me the AC500. I liked the clearance on the AC, along with the two year warranty, full skid plate,and IRS but the extra weight scared me a bit. How do these machines compare power-wise? My primary use would be hunting and ice fishing, with a little trail riding mixed in.

Thanks in advance!!

 

The vinson will be much more sporty handling but the cat will be much better a technical terrain like mud, rocks, logs and such. If your primary use is for hunting and fishing with a little trail riding the Cat is a way better choice with its ground clearance and rack space and 4x4 ability. Check out the accesories to arctic cat. arcticcat.com and you will be in heaven if fishing and hunting is your thing.

 

I think that they are still the same motor. The AC has diff lock ( I think ) and the IRS but those are the only major diffrences that I can think of right now. You will want a skid plate that is a much for most people. Like Hoopie said the vinson will be more sporty but the IRS is a nice ride. If you can swing it I would get the AC with the LE package but that is me. What ever you choose will be a good machine. Good Luck and welcome!!

 

Yes, they utilize the same motor. The Vinson will be faster, more agile and sportier, while the AC has better options to be set up as a hunting/icefishing machine. Both are capable of doing what you want, you have a tough decision to make.

 

You wont need any skids for the Arctic cat. they come on stock and do a great job.

 

Both great machines, but i give the vote to AC, as i am a hunter and outdoorsman, and can convert my quad from Deer Hunting,(attatch your deerstand, gun scabbard, and cargobox) to Ice Fishing,(attatch your ice auger, fishing pole holder, and two buckets, and pull your ice house) to Trail Riding in Seconds, no joke! The speedrack is awesome

 

Thank you all for the responses. I am still undecided, but hope to make a decision in the next week. Will the AC be "doggy" with the extra weight? I was always a Honda guy, but I was unimpressed with the acceleration on my buddies Rubicon. I can get the AC500 camo for $5850, while the Vinson would be $5600. The warranty, clearance, and skid plate is making me lean towards the AC, my only concern is power. Thanks again for all of the advice.

 

The power in both machines is the same. as they have the same motor, so its up to you

 

my buddy has a honda rubicon and I can beat him in a drag on my 500 manual arctic cat.

 

The new ACs can also be equipped with factory optional anti sway bar if you decide you want a little more trail cornering stability at sacrifice of some rear suspension travel and comfort. I think you will prefer the AC with diff lock and IRS.