What Is the Power Difference Between the Polaris Ranger RZR and RZR S?

Published: Nov 14, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Engine

The Ranger RZR and RZR S are identical in terms of engine, transmission and braking system. Both have a twin-cyliner, 4-stroke 760cc high-output engine with an electronic fuel injection and liquid cooling system. Both offer an on-demand automatic 2-wheel drive system and a Polaris Variable Transmission -- PVT -- drivetrain. The braking systems of both models offer front and rear 4-wheel hydraulic-disc braking systems with dual-bore front calipers, as well as an in-transmission parking brake.

Suspension

The front and rear suspension systems are significantly different on the Ranger RZR and RZR S models. The front suspension of the Ranger RZR includes a dual A-arm with 9-inch anti-sway bar, while the RZR S provides a 12-inch anti-sway bar and no dual A-arm. For rear suspension, the Ranger RZR and RZR S both offer dual A-arms, but with respective 9.5-inch and 12-inch rolled anti-sway bars.

Wheels

The wheelbase of both the Ranger RZR and RZR S is 77 inches, but wheel size and construction differ. The Ranger 800 has Maxxis wheels made from stamped steel, while the RZR S offers cast aluminum ITP 900 XCT wheels. Both front and rear wheels are slightly larger on the RZR S model.

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Size

A slight difference exists in the overall weight and size of the Ranger RZR and RZR S models. The Ranger RZR has a ground clearance of 10 inches, weighs 979 pounds and is 103 inches long, 50 inches wide and 69 inches high. The RZR S clears 12.5 inches, weighs 1022 pounds and is 104 inches long, 60.5 inches wide and 70.5 high.

Color Options and Price

The Polaris Ranger RZR and RZR S are both available in Indy Red. The RZR 800 is also available in Polaris Pursuit Camo and limited edition Magnetic Metallic, Boardwalk Blue and the dual-tone White Lightning/Red. The limited edition colors for the RZR 800 S include Liquid Silver/Red and White/Orange Madness. At the time of publication, a standard RZR S costs $1,400 more than the Ranger RZR.

Resources

Leah Waldron-Gross

Leah Waldron is the head of Traveler Services at First Abroad, a gap year travel company based in Boston and London. As a travel, research and LGBT news writer, Waldron has publication credit on magazines and newspapers including "Curve…

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