2014 Arctic Cat Wildcat 700

2014 Arctic Cat Wildcat 700

There has been a lot of buzz over the past year or so about the developments in the 50-inch UTV market. The Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail hit the scene last year as competition in a market once dominated by a single machine – the Polaris RZR. Artic Cat isn't the only manufacturer to make an appearance in this market: Honda recently announced another addition to the 50-inch family with their 50-inch Pioneer. Continued development has also led to Polaris announcing their new 50-inch RZR 900.

With new expansion in the marketplace, I had to see how the RZR 800 and the Wildcat Trail each performed on the exact same trail. So we took them on a 70-mile ride along an amazing portion of Utah's famous Arapeen Trail System. Most of our ride took place on 50-inch width restricted trails, save for a few short connecting trails. This allowed me to ride each machine for long periods of time in the element they were designed to thrive in, all while switching between the two for the best overall experience. Also, as part of this test I wanted to see how each machine handled riding solo and with another person. So we made sure that each rider had ample time in both situations.

Each machine was outfitted with a few accessories that make the UTV driving experience more enjoyable, including the Tusk HD Quiet-Glide Skid Plate, Tusk Modular UTV Pack, UTV Mirror Kit, Tusk UTV Cab Pack and a few others. However, performance-wise these machines were completely stock, including tires.

The Contenders

2014 Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail

2014 Polaris RZR 800

First Impressions: Wildcat Trail

I started out our ride in the Wildcat Trail, and the first thing I noticed was the lower center of gravity. The Trail sits the driver three inches lower in the cab than the RZR, which really changes the overall feel behind the wheel. Sitting lower in the cockpit took a little getting used to at first, but the lower center of gravity made me feel more stable when the Wildcat cornered. I'm always worried about rolling a UTV because throwing your weight around is not as easy as when on an ATV. The Wildcat's lower center of gravity and incredible suspension gave me confidence going into corners at higher speeds. Don't get me wrong – big time powerslides should be left to wider models, but I really enjoyed how the Trail cornered.

Also, right off the bat I loved the punchy throttle and acceleration. A lot of trails we rode are slower, technical trails with steep hills and large obstacles. The quick throttle made those sections not only very easy to navigate, but I also knew I had the power to handle them. The gearing ratio in the Trail gives that initial stab at the pedal a very nice solid burst of power. Combine that with great suspension and smooth shifting from the patented Rapid Response Transmission, and you have a fantastic trail machine. This portion of the Arapeen Trail System offered a variety of terrain, enabling me to utilize every feature the Trail had to offer – four-wheel drive and front lockers included. Shifting is smooth between gears, and four-wheel drive is just a button away.

What I Loved

1. Punchy Throttle: I loved the quick response combined with great acceleration.
2. Stock Half Doors:While I am a big fan of full doors on all UTVs, especially 50-inch machines, the half doors are a nice convenience over the stock nets on a RZR.
3. Suspension: While the ground clearance on each machine is very similar, I felt like I hit the skid plate a lot less in the Wildcat than I did in the RZR.
4. Front Locking Differential: With just the push of a button, the front lockers are set and ready to tackle seriously tough terrain.
5. Steering Wheel Diameter: The larger diameter wheel is more comfortable to grip, which is especially nice on long rides.
6. Netted Glove Box: While I didn't think I would like the netted glove box at first glance, it was super easy to reach in and grab cameras, maps and other equipment without having to stop, which I loved.

What I Would Change

1. Steering: The primary drawback of the Wildcat Trail is the steering, which has two features I would work on. First, electric power steering (EPS) is a must-have in today's market. EPS dampens the feedback felt from rocks and tough terrain, enabling you to control your machine better, turn with ease and reduce arm fatigue from long rides. Second, all three drivers noted that the turning radius was limited compared to the RZR on sharp turns. Sharper turning radius would make a big difference for the Trail.
2. Tight Cockpit: Between the lack of leg room and the half doors, the cockpit feels tight – especially with two people.
3. Bigger Cargo Bed: The Wildcat Trail's cargo bed is narrow at the rear of the vehicle and not as deep as a 2014 RZR. It limits the width of the cargo you can carry.

First Impressions: RZR 800

Polaris has had 7 years to tweak and enhance the RZR, and it shows. Admittedly, I feel more at home in a RZR because of experience. However, I have been so excited to have competition in this space that I spent a little more time in the Wildcat on this ride to help offset the way I feel in a RZR.

The handling in a RZR is incredible. The throttle delivers smooth, consistent power throughout the entire pedal. While I like the lower center of gravity and seat position of the Wildcat on open trails, I don't like it on 50-inch trails. These trails are narrower in general and are regulated with fences or gates designed to keep larger vehicles out. Because restrictions are very tight, you have to navigate through them very slowly. In the RZR, which naturally sits the driver higher, I could see the front corners of the vehicle much better. With the Wildcat, I had to lean out the window to make sure I would make it, and I noticed the other drivers had to as well.

The optional power steering and tight turning radius of the RZR makes weaving in and out of tight trails so much fun. Also, the Polaris On-Demand True AWD/2WD system is phenomenal. With an easy push of the button, the AWD system kicks in, providing power to the wheels that need it. The ride of the RZR is plush and very smooth. Combine that with power steering, and you have a machine that can be ridden for days without getting sore. However, a drawback of the plush ride was that I found myself hitting my skid plates more frequently and harder than when in the Wildcat.

Things I Loved:

1. Power Steering: Power steering is all about precise turns at low speeds and cushioning feedback to the steering wheel. We have all hit obstacles that just about rip the wheel out of our hands, and the EPS helps prevent that.
2. Comfortable Cockpit: The size and space in the cockpit of the RZR provides incredible comfort for a machine that is only 50 inches wide.
3. Tight Turning Radius: On multiple occasions, the RZR slipped through several tight turns, back to back, without having to reverse or adjust to make the turn.
4. Large Cargo Box: The RZR rear cargo box is deeper and wider at the rear than the Wildcat.

Things I Would Change:

1. Passenger Handhold: The grab bar not only sticks out into the vehicle farther than I would like, but holding on with both hands for long periods of time is not as comfortable as the door/grab bar combo of the Wildcat Trail.
2. Soft Suspension: The cushy suspension leaves you hitting your skid plate more often than you would like.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking into getting a 50-inch machine, you can't go wrong wither either of these UTVs. Both are incredible trailworthy machines. They have more than enough power to tackle what they are asked to do. They are nimble and easy to handle, and both operate well at high and low speeds. They have plenty of space to pack gear for long rides, and with the help of a few add-on accessories, you could spend days on the trail without having to head back to the truck for supplies. When asked to choose our personal favorite among the three drivers, the RZR edged out the Wildcat Trail in a 2-to-1 vote.

Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail Specifications:

• MSRP $11,399
• Twin Cylinder 4-Stroke 700cc Liquid Cooled Motor
• 60+ Horsepower
• Front Suspension: Dual A-Arm with Anti-Sway Bar 10″  Travel
• Rear Suspension: Dual A-Arm with Anti-Sway Bar 10.5″ Travel
• Ground Clearance: 10″
• Fuel Capacity 7.4 gal
• Dry Weight 990 lb.
• Rear Rack Box Storage Capacity 300 lbs.

Polaris RZR 800 Specifications:

• MSRP $11,499
• 4-Stroke Twin Cylinder 760cc High Output Motor
• 55 Horsepower
• Front Suspension: Dual A-Arm with Anti-Sway Bar 9″ (22.9cm) Travel
• Rear Suspension: Dual A-Arm with Anti-Sway Bar 9.5′ (24cm) Travel
• Ground Clearance: 10.6″
• Rear Rack Box Storage Capacity 300 lbs.
• Fuel Capacity 7.25 gal
• Dry Weight 993 lb.
• Optional Power Steering

2014 Arctic Cat Wildcat 700

Source: https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/rm-rider-exchange/polaris-rzr-800-vs-arctic-cat-wildcat-trail-700/