Polaris Scrambler 1000 Vs Raptor 700 - Which Big-Bore Beast Owns The

Staring down the trail, you’re faced with one of the toughest choices in the big-bore ATV world. Do you go with the all-conquering, 4×4 traction of the Polaris Scrambler 1000, or the pure, rear-wheel-drive sport performance of the Yamaha Raptor 700? It’s a classic battle of brute force versus agile precision, and you’ll find passionate defenders in both camps.

We get it. You’ve worked hard for your money, and you want to make sure the machine you park in your garage is the right one for your kind of riding. The spec sheets only tell half the story.

Here at FatBoysOffroad, we promise to cut through the noise. This isn’t just another spec comparison. This is a complete polaris scrambler 1000 vs raptor 700 guide from the perspective of guys who’ve spun wrenches and throttles on both. We’ll break down the real-world differences in power, handling, maintenance, and long-term ownership to help you make a confident choice. Let’s get dirty.

At a Glance: The Tale of the Tape

Before we dive deep, let’s line them up side-by-side. Numbers don’t tell the whole story, but they give us a solid starting point for understanding these two completely different philosophies of speed.

Think of the Scrambler as the heavyweight powerlifter and the Raptor as the nimble MMA fighter. Both are incredibly powerful, but they apply that power in vastly different ways.

Engine Type:
- Polaris Scrambler 1000 S: 952cc ProStar, 4-Stroke SOHC Twin Cylinder
- Yamaha Raptor 700R: 686cc, 4-Stroke, SOHC Single Cylinder
Drivetrain:
- Scrambler 1000 S: True On-Demand AWD/2WD
- Raptor 700R: 2WD with a 5-speed manual transmission and reverse
Horsepower (Approx.):
- Scrambler 1000 S: ~89 HP
- Raptor 700R: ~45-50 HP (but it’s much lighter!)
Dry Weight (Approx.):
- Scrambler 1000 S: 881 lbs
- Raptor 700R: 422 lbs
Suspension Front / Rear Travel:
- Scrambler 1000 S: 12.5 in / 14 in
- Raptor 700R: 9.1 in / 10.1 in

Right away, you see the story unfold. The Scrambler has a massive engine and the grip of four-wheel drive, but it carries more than double the weight. The Raptor is a featherweight with a punchy, big-single engine and a manual clutch, built for pure rider engagement.

The Heart of the Beast: V-Twin Power vs. Thumping Single-Cylinder

The engine is the soul of any machine, and these two couldn’t be more different. How they make and deliver power defines their character on the trail.

Polaris Scrambler 1000 S: The V-Twin Freight Train

The 952cc ProStar V-twin in the Scrambler is an absolute monster. It delivers a smooth, relentless wave of power that feels like it will never end. When you stab the thumb throttle, the power builds quickly and just keeps pulling, making it a king of drag races and hill climbs.

This engine is all about brute force. It’s paired with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), meaning no shifting. Just point, shoot, and hold on. This makes it incredibly easy to access its massive power, but some riders miss the engagement of a manual clutch.

Yamaha Raptor 700R: The Agile Brawler

The Raptor’s 686cc single-cylinder is a legend for a reason. It’s a “thumper.” Power is instant, torquey, and right off the bottom. It has a raw, visceral feel that sport quad riders love. You feel every power pulse.

Working the 5-speed manual transmission is a core part of the experience. It gives you precise control to keep the engine in the meat of its powerband, whether you’re rocketing out of a corner or lofting the front wheels over an obstacle. It demands more from the rider but rewards them with a more connected feel.

The Great Divide: 4×4 Dominance vs. 2WD Purity

This is arguably the most critical decision point in the polaris scrambler 1000 vs raptor 700 debate. Your choice here will dictate the kind of terrain you can conquer.

Scrambler’s On-Demand AWD: Go Anywhere, Anytime

The Scrambler’s biggest advantage is its True On-Demand All-Wheel Drive. In 2WD, it’s a handful of a sport quad. But with the flick of a switch, you engage the front wheels, and it transforms into an unstoppable tank.

Deep mud, slippery rock faces, and gnarly, off-camber hills that would stop a 2WD quad in its tracks are just another day at the office for the Scrambler. If your riding involves exploring unknown trails and tackling the nastiest conditions you can find, the benefits of the Scrambler’s 4×4 system are undeniable.

Raptor’s 2WD: The Definition of “Sport Quad”

The Raptor is pure, unadulterated rear-wheel-drive fun. It’s light, flickable, and loves to get sideways. The lack of front-wheel drive components makes the steering incredibly light and precise.

This setup is perfect for sand dunes, groomed trails, and motocross tracks. It’s all about carrying momentum, picking the perfect line, and using throttle and body English to steer the machine. It’s a more active and physically demanding riding style, but for sport purists, there’s no substitute.

Your Polaris Scrambler 1000 vs Raptor 700 Care Guide

Long-term happiness with either of these machines comes down to understanding what they need. A good polaris scrambler 1000 vs raptor 700 care guide starts with knowing their unique quirks and maintenance needs.

Common Problems and Maintenance Best Practices

No machine is perfect. Being aware of common problems with the polaris scrambler 1000 vs raptor 700 can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Polaris Scrambler 1000: The biggest thing to watch is the CVT belt. With nearly 90 horsepower, belts are a wear item. Check for glazing or hourglassing regularly. Also, with so many moving parts in the 4×4 system, keeping all fluids (engine oil, transmission, front diff, rear diff) clean is critical. Bushings and ball joints also take a beating due to the machine’s weight.
Yamaha Raptor 700: It’s a chain-driven machine, so chain and sprocket maintenance is constant. You must keep it clean, lubed, and properly tensioned. The clutch is another wear item, especially with aggressive riders. Luckily, these are relatively easy DIY jobs. The Raptor’s engine is famously reliable, but regular valve checks are a must to keep it running strong.

Sustainable Riding and Mods

Part of responsible ownership is maintenance that promotes longevity and efficiency—a key part of a sustainable polaris scrambler 1000 vs raptor 700 approach. Keeping your air filter clean and tires properly inflated ensures the engine runs efficiently and puts power to the ground effectively.

When it comes to mods, they follow the machine’s purpose:

Scrambler Mods: Winches, bigger and more aggressive tires, snorkels, and skid plates are popular for enhancing its go-anywhere capability.
Raptor Mods: A full exhaust system, a fuel controller, nerf bars for safety, and a wider rear axle for stability are common first upgrades for performance.

The Final Verdict: Which Rider Are You?

So, how do you choose? It’s time to be honest about where and how you ride. Here are some final polaris scrambler 1000 vs raptor 700 tips to seal the deal.

Choose the Polaris Scrambler 1000 S If…

You ride in thick mud, deep woods, or on rocky, technical trails.
You value the security and capability of 4×4 above all else.
You want effortless, point-and-shoot power for straight lines and hill climbs.
You often ride alone and might need to self-recover from tough spots (a winch is your best friend!).
You prefer a more stable, planted feel over a light, “flickable” one.

Choose the Yamaha Raptor 700R If…

You ride primarily in sand dunes, on open desert trails, or on MX-style tracks.
You love the feeling of sliding through corners and jumping.
You want a lightweight, nimble machine that responds instantly to rider input.
You enjoy the mechanical engagement of shifting through gears with a manual clutch.
You prioritize pure sport performance and handling over all-terrain utility.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Polaris Scrambler 1000 vs Raptor 700

Which one is faster in a drag race?

In a straight line on a surface with good traction, the Polaris Scrambler 1000 will typically win. Its combination of higher horsepower and AWD grip off the line is very hard for the 2WD Raptor to beat. However, on a track with corners, the Raptor’s light weight and agility could easily make it the faster machine overall.

Is either of these good for a beginner?

Honestly, no. Both of these are expert-level machines with immense power that can get a new rider in trouble very quickly. If you are new to ATVs, we strongly recommend starting on a smaller 300-450cc machine to learn the fundamentals of throttle control and body positioning before stepping up to one of these beasts.

Which is better for trail riding?

This depends on the “trail.” For tight, twisty, hard-packed forest trails, the Raptor 700 is a blast. For rough, unpredictable, and muddy trails with challenging obstacles, the Scrambler 1000 is the far more capable and confidence-inspiring choice.

Can you jump a Polaris Scrambler 1000?

You can get it off the ground, but it’s not designed for it. At nearly 900 pounds, it lands hard and you risk damaging components. The Raptor 700, at less than half the weight and with a chassis designed for it, is the clear choice for anyone who likes to get air.

Ultimately, the choice between the Scrambler 1000 and the Raptor 700 is a choice between two different kinds of freedom. One is the freedom to go anywhere, no matter how tough the terrain. The other is the freedom of pure, agile performance.

Take a hard look at your riding style, the terrain you frequent, and what gets your adrenaline pumping. You can’t make a wrong choice, only the right choice for you. Now get out there, stay safe, and have a blast on the trails!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.