In the December 2000 Dirt Wheels magazine, they had the ultimate shootout between all three high performance quads. They tested these machines against each other on tracks, on trails, on sand, and also on high-speed runs. Their test crew consisted of highly experienced racers, trail riders and long-time dune fanatics. In straight line drag races, the DS650 and Raptor easily blew away the 400EX.

Dirt Wheels dyno run for all three machines were:

DS650: 43 HP
660R: 38 HP
400EX: 28-30 HP

They found that the DS650 had more top-end power but, the Raptor's power comes on earlier and harder than that of the DS650. Dirt Wheels said, "Only when you have a long run-out does the higher power output of the DS give it an edge in acceleration." Picture of drag race shows the Raptor ahead of the DS by a half bike length and 3-4 lengths ahead of the 400EX.

Drag Race Results: (App. 300 Ft-Perfect traction)
400EX: 6.62 seconds
DS650: 6.44 seconds
660R: 6.42 seconds

Top Speed Results: 400EX: 65.0 MPH
DS650: 71.5 MPH
660R: 71.0 MPH

Most Preferred Quad for track: Raptor 660R
Best overall trail Quad: Raptor 660R
Better all-around Dune-meister: DS 650
(followed closely by the Raptor)

Overall Conclusion (Best Machine): Raptor 660R

Dirt Wheels said, "But when it came time to deciding on one final choice, vitually every test rider said they would purchase the Raptor. They all felt it had the best combination of power, agility, responsiveness and handling to make it our choice for best all-around high-performance quad."

GREAT JOB YAMAHA!!! THE RAPTOR HAS DONE WHAT IT
HAS BEEN DESIGNED FOR.

 

Why was the Banshee left out? It would have done very well in the top speed and drag races. Also, the ex is less than a second behind the DS and Raptor? Sounds like the EX is the winner in the bang for the buck catagory.

 

Dirt Wheels said this shootout was to show how the Raptor compared to the other two 4-stroke quads. Their November issue, they compared the Banshee and Raptor and they choose the Raptor as the winner. As far as the 400EX goes, the testing on one very tight track, the test riders preferred the Honda over the Raptor. Overall though, they thought the Honda was fun, nimble, and responsive on the MX course but out of the contest when it came to power. They felt that none of the quads were actually losers and all had their advantages. Overall, the Raptor had stacked up better than the 400EX or DS650.

 

Well, lets do the math here!! 660, 650, or 400??? Ranging between 250-260cc's more than the 400 and lets talk about what they are going for as for $$$$$$. 660r and the DS650 are almost in the same ball park. The 660r is a little cheaper, and the 400 is not even close. Sorry people I'm a kinda of a neutral person but I really don't see where either the DS or 660r is really worth it. Going for that kinda of money and getting those results. Ya, its a little better but not by much!! As for the 660r being a better trail-machine than than the 400?? I doubt it, these mags tend to promote the new quads a little to far. Yes, when the 400 came out it was everywhere. But it has been almost 3 years now and is still being talked because it still is competitive. The DS to me is in its own world, if thats what it was made for then let it be the Duner!! The only thing the 660r has is power and speed. Yes, I have ridden one and that thing is unblievable as for power and speed. Took it on the trails!!! Didn't like it! Plain and simple don't ALWAYS believe the mags, they tend to bull**** a little bit

 

Put $800 dollars into the 400EX and you still wouldn't have the awesome quad like the Raptor. I only paid $500 more for my Raptor here in Michigan than what the 400EX is going for. I know some are paying a lot more for their Raptors but those dealers suck. My dealer here is great on pricing and awesome as far as customer service after the sale. Plainly put, the Raptor is an overall better machine than the 400EX.

 

I,ve been riding and racing ATV's for 20 years now. I've owned and or ridden all makes and models. In my opinion, all sport ATV's are competitive in their own way. It should be no suprise to anyone that a two-stroke ATV has the advantage in many catagories, and is still supreme on the MX track. However, I think the Raptor will suprise more than a few TRX250R's, Banshee's and Quadracers once it is properly set up for MX. I have recently purchased one myself, and am quite pleased with the performance of it. This is only the 2nd high performance four stroke ATV that I have owned, the other being an'86 ATC350X. I find that the Raptor takes up where the 400EX lets off. The 400EX is truly a great quad, but I find it lacks the power punch to compete with many two strokes. I have had several TRX250R's, and still own a 250 Quadracer as well. True, the Raptor is a bit heavy, and narrow, but with the proper mod's, it should really be competitive with the two strokes. Just my opinion, any comments welcome, and please, don't be bias on manufacturers name brands because each have their own strong points and weak points.

'92 250 Quadracer
'01 Raptor

 

where is the dealer you got it from and how much did u pay otd

 

First, the raptor is not the best overall machine!! (Grow up will ya!!) Either is the 400, but just like the other guy said " All ATV sport machines are all competitive in there own way". But neither one is superior in every way. Another thing I want to know is what you paid for your machine??

 

You forgot to mention that they bent the axle on the Raptor, something we've been hearing about right here. They also blew the rear axle bearings out on the 400 EX.

It's wierd they also said you could drive the DS through a war with no ill affects.

 

I think all of us new the Raptor is a special quad. It might not be a specialist in the atv world but it sure is the best all-around performer. I already have a 2+2 Eliminator axle, 12 tooth sprocket, and White Bros E-Series. This combination already has enhanced the Raptors torque and handling as if it needed it to begin with. The DS is great for dunes but other then that it sucks. It rides like a John Deere due to its enormous size and weight. The 400 handles great but lacks torque and topend. Yamaha simply built the Raptor too outperform these competitors. And people are just gonna have to accept that Yamaha accomplished this goal and now holds the belt in the war for the best performance quad.