P500 If you had a choice...

[Montecresto]

And...the 500 has properly matched gearing to power. The 700-4 is notorious for simply running out of steam when the going gets tough. Videos abound of the 700-4 grunting to a stop going up steep hills because 1st gear is not low enough and the motor isn’t strong enough to pull first gear, or even spin the tires. P500 - this is not the case - if you’ve got traction you’re going up.

Actually it’s motor is plenty strong, it’s the lack off a low range that is the problem.

 

[DG Rider]

And...the 500 has properly matched gearing to power. The 700-4 is notorious for simply running out of steam when the going gets tough. Videos abound of the 700-4 grunting to a stop going up steep hills because 1st gear is not low enough and the motor isn’t strong enough to pull first gear, or even spin the tires. P500 - this is not the case - if you’ve got traction you’re going up.

At least a couple of of those videos are mine, and certainly, the 700 would be a much different animal with 500-like gearing. But like I said earlier, even with poor gearing, the 700 does certain things that the 500 will not, so pick your poison.

 

[Backwoods]

And...the 500 has properly matched gearing to power. The 700-4 is notorious for simply running out of steam when the going gets tough. Videos abound of the 700-4 grunting to a stop going up steep hills because 1st gear is not low enough and the motor isn’t strong enough to pull first gear, or even spin the tires. P500 - this is not the case - if you’ve got traction you’re going up.

I don't want to argue but either don't let it change gears or shift into Manuel mode and it won't back down . You can't believe everything you see in videos . I've had both the 500 is tough but so is the 700. But I will stop because this could go forever like political debate.

 

[Lilred500]

I prefer the 500 for my needs due to its size and ability to build it to what you want my father-in-law has a p1k5 I drive time to time and I enjoy it as well but it’s a lot larger and harder to move around in the woods compared to the 500 but it’s all in personal preference.

 

[SouthwestORV]

Actually it’s motor is plenty strong, it’s the lack off a low range that is the problem.

I agree, and I think we’re all seeing the same thing. I would be excited to own a 700 for many reasons - more suspension travel, diff lock, power steering, more seatbelts, etc - IF Honda would gear it properly, be that through more speeds (lower first gear, same top speed) or a low range.

 

[Backwoods]

Drive one it will ride better than you think . I like the long first gear it gives it better drivability. It will run a tad bit faster than a 500. Go take a deluxe for a spin then report back , I would like your take on it after you have actually driven one . It will shift butter smooth in auto or Manuel. Plus P/ S is a great feature. But from experience the 500 is a bad dude.

 

[SouthwestORV]

Drive one it will ride better than you think . I like the long first gear it gives it better drivability. It will run a tad bit faster than a 500. Go take a deluxe for a spin then report back , I would like your take on it after you have actually driven one . It will shift butter smooth in auto or Manuel. Prius P/ S is a great feature. But from experience the 500 is a bad dude.

I should!