455 vs 497 decision

[cablerum]

Hello everyone, I'm new to forum & also new to Polaris. I currently own a 2003 Suzuki 2wd ATV but I am looking to upgrade to a 4wd so that I can use the ATV for plowing & 2wd may not be the best for this.

I am mainly considering the Polaris Sportsman because of price and its come down to either a 400 HO or a 500 HO. I am sure either will do the job of plowing & light trail riding. I know the 500 HO will obviously be a little bit more powerful & possibly have a better resale value but that is not my main concern. I understand that the 2011/2012 400 & 500 are identical apart from the engine.

For me power is not everything, my main concern is quality, reliability & maintenance. From what I understand the 500 (498) is a Fuji motor, is the 400 (455) a Fuji or Liberty or something else? Is one made with higher grade parts like better internals? Is there pros or cons to either motor apart from the HP difference? If there is a Polaris mechanic reading this which motor would you choose & why? Do you see one in the shop more then the other? Does either motor have common problems? Is one easier to work on or maintain over the other?

I know this is lots of questions but the only way I'll ever know is to ask the people that own & ride & repair these machines. Most sales staff at the dealers are useless from what I've seen so far.

Thanks for any input!

[Bruce!]

Welcome to the board!

[kool_500HO]

From what I can tell the 455 has a smaller bore then the 497 and that's the main difference, they have different jetting also but the bore is the biggest difference, same engine...smaller bore basically

[Russ C]

yep smaller bore is the diference but if it was me and price was close to the same Id go with the 500, most people that buy something smaller wish they hadnt within a year