Well my wife and I have been kicking around the idea of getting a Rhino. I already have a extremly fast Banshee for when I want to light the ground on fire. So speed is not an issue with this one. What i am thinking is getting a 450 pretty well decked out for hard off-road use for hunting, fishing, and trail riding. Deffinatly would have to have a winch and looking at more agressive tires than it comes with. A full enclosure for the rainy/snowy days. and looking at the 4 seat setup so the whole family can go for rides on it. I could do this for what a 660 would cost, just the machine and I would still have to buy the rest.

What I would like to know is, has anyone with a 450 been in a situation where thier 450 did not have the ability to do what they needed it to BUT where a 660 would have?

 

We took a 450 rhino in a test ride at one of the riding areas and the was not impressed with the 450 setup. The rhino is a heavy machine, the 450 did not have enough grunt to get up some of the hills we ride, without putting it in low range. This said I would deffinatly go for the 660. I ride with some guys who have one and all they have done is re-jet and mud tires. It goes pretty much anywhere it will fit. Also if you are planning an hauling the family around it would be nice to have the extra grunt of the bigger motor. Even better you could wait and see when the 700 is coming out.

 

There's a big difference between a 450 quad and a 450 Rhino. Almost a thousand pounds to be exact. Saying a 450 is plenty for a quad will not automatically apply to a side-by-side.

I don't have any first-hand experience with the 450 Rhino but one of my buddies has the 660 Sport Edition. I've driven and ridden it through many extreme areas and I've been fairly impressed. It has just the right amount of power IMO. It could definitely use more (couldn't everything?) but it's in no way underpowered as far as climbing hills or plowing through mud holes. Acceleration is a different story ...

Since you want to add the back seat for 4 people I would say get the 660 without a doubt. Unless you plan on buying the supercharger kit that poor 450 will be working hard to keep 4 people in that heavy of a vehicle moving.

 

Yeah, I agree with the other comments. You'll be underpowered in the 450.

 

I totally agree the 660 would be the better choice as you will be underpowered in the 450, but come on guys, lets get some real numbers and evidence out there and not throw out random numbers!!!! there is not even close to 1000 lbs. difference, heck it isn't even 500 lbs. difference, its about 460 lbs. difference in weight between a rhino 660 and a kodiak 450.

 

Wolverine: 516lbs
Average rider: 180lbs
Total: 696lbs

Rhino: 1212lbs
2 Average Riders: 360lbs (nobody buys a Rhino to ride alone)
Total: 1572lbs

876lbs difference. Almost 1000lbs.

 

I have very little first hand experience, but have a buddy thats owned a few side-by-sides and drove them all. He says the Polaris side by sides ride the best (owns a 500cc Polaris now) and the 700 polaris is the most powerful of all the side by sides. I would ride them all before making a decision on one.

 

id go with one of the poolaris. hear they have the most hp, and best suspension.

 

My daughter and son-in-law have a 450 Rhino for use around flat land ranch and at horse shows. With the lower stock gearing the 450 works fine for this llight duty service. However, in your situation with heavier loads and hills I think you would be much more satisfied with 660. There is no possibility IMO that 660 would be too much with your Banshee experience but there is some possibility you will regret buying the 450 after loading up and then running so much in low range.