Initially, the word “buggy” meant lightweight cars with a frame and a powerful engine, and now they call ATVs with automobile landing. They have a lot in common with classic ATVs – for example, four-wheel drive, off-road tires, and high ground clearance. But, despite the constructive similarities, there are still more differences. What technique and for what purposes is best suited – we will tell in the article.
Those who love extreme cross-country driving should pay attention to buggies. Light vehicles on four wheels with a car or motorcycle engine. The device of this machine allows you to enjoy driving in various conditions. Even those that seem not at all intended for this. Moreover, you don’t have to look for specially equipped tracks – an ordinary wasteland or a country road is enough.
Fit and comfort
Buggy. Landing and controls are automobiles, due to this, the equipment is more comfortable on a long trip. The roof, doors, and windshield protect against dirt and rain flying from under the wheels, so you can ride in any weather and still keep your clothes clean.
ATV. Landing and motorcycle controls. Sitting is less comfortable, but you can shift your body weight and help the technique overcome obstacles – for example, swinging it in the mud. In general, riding an ATV means more physical activity.
Number of seats
Buggy. Most buggies are designed for a driver and two passengers, but there are also side by side 4 seater in larger models.
ATV. Models for active skiing are single and universal and tourist ones are usually double.
Load Capacity
Buggy. Truck models have a rear body that holds about 400 kg and has a dump mechanism for easy unloading. Tourist and sports buggies also have a rear luggage compartment, but more modest – they can accommodate about 100 kg.
Quad bike. Has luggage platforms in front and behind. Their carrying capacity is on average 60-80 kg. To haul something heavier, you can attach a trailer, but note that ATVs have less towing capacity than buggies.
Safety
Buggy. The wheelbase and a track width of the buggy is greater than that of the ATVs, which means that they are more stable and less prone to tipping over. This will be noticeable when cornering at high speed or climbing a steep hill. In addition, in a dangerous situation, the driver and passenger are protected by multi-point belts and a strong frame.
ATVs. The only place where an ATV is better than a buggy in terms of safety is frozen bodies of water. Light vehicles put less pressure on the surface, and in an emergency, the driver can quickly jump off.
Ease of controls
Buggy. A full cockpit gives a sense of security, so a beginner will get used to a buggy faster than an ATV.
ATV. Driving on a flat road is easy and safe. But overcoming obstacles on horseback with powerful equipment is scary at first.
Patency
Buggy. The suspension travel and clearance of the buggy are greater than that of the ATV. This increases the cross-country ability on difficult terrain – there is less risk of hanging the wheels or getting stuck.
ATV. ATVs have a small weight – from 300 kg. Due to their lightness, they can pass through the swamp and other unsteady surfaces and not get stuck. And pulling such equipment out of the mud is often done manually without using a winch.
Briefly: what and for what purposes is best suited?
Hunting and fishing. What to choose depends on the area and the purpose of the hunt. It will be easier to get through the dense forest and thickets on an ATV. But if you need to carry a lot of equipment and big game, and you hunt in the company of comrades, you should take a closer look at a cargo buggy with a spacious interior and a roomy body.
Walks. For a family holiday, a buggy is preferable due to its capacity, comfort, and safety. You can also ride a quad bike alone or alone.
Tourism. Driving a buggy will make you feel less tired than riding an ATV. In addition, in the cab of the buggy, the driver and passenger are protected from precipitation.
Job. If you need to work in a limited space or have little space for storing equipment, it is better to choose an ATV. It will be more comfortable to ride a buggy in bad weather and over long distances, and such equipment also has a greater carrying capacity and towing capacity.
Off-road. For off-road routes with fords, swamps, deep puddles, and other heavy obstacles, a single-seat ATV is best suited. This is a light and maneuverable technique that is less likely to get stuck and can go around many obstacles.
Extreme. If you want to drive along the crossroads, a sports buggy is best. This technique is stable on straight lines and in turn, has energy-intensive suspension. In addition, if after the next maneuver it ends up on its side or roof, the driver and passengers will not suffer.
Bottom line – what to choose, ATV or buggy
For most purposes, a buggy is more suitable. Especially such equipment will be appreciated by tourists, hunters, and fishermen. The spacious cabin with doors and a roof allows you to ride comfortably in any weather. Due to the car landing, you will be less tired on a long trip. The long wheelbase and wide track add stability, while the multi-point harness and cage protect you in a crash or rollover. The body of cargo models is tipper and usually holds up to 400 kg of cargo.
An ATV is indispensable for overcoming difficult off-road routes – due to its lightness, it is less likely to get stuck, its compact dimensions will allow you to go around many problem areas, and it is often possible to rescue such equipment from the mud manually without using a winch. Off-road, fishing and hunting in hard-to-reach areas, working in confined spaces – for all this, an ATV is best.
Important: the choice of technique largely depends on personal preferences. One person likes riding a quad bike more, and another likes a buggy. Therefore, it is advisable to test both types of equipment before buying.
If you want to choose the right buggy then make you read all the points properly and understand what you really need to buy. Choose your pick accordingly.
