ATV vs Dune Buggy: Which ONE Should I Buy In 2022?

The dune buggies and ATVs are off-road machines that you can use on the same terrains and also for similar purposes. Despite their strong similarities, there are also some quite obvious differences between these two which you need to take into consideration if you are deliberating on Which is best for you.

Key differences between ATVs and buggies are their engine sizes, tires, functionalities, costs, and available performance enhancements.

Some of these differences might be obvious, but there are still hidden details that would be of interest to you and help you decide which machine is perfect for your off-road needs. So let’s get to the main gist.

Differences Between the ATV vs Dune Buggy

Engine

Dune Buggies are mostly designed with 1600cc engines which are manufactured a little bit more powerful. Dune buggies don’t weigh much, they are small powerhouses upgraded with speed boosters and other upgrades to make them suitable for their environments.

But these limits the Buggies in ways that ATVs aren’t affected.

You can’t get ATVs with 1600cc engines, that wouldn’t be possible; at least not currently. Big ATVs are utilized in remote environments where you can’t use anything else safely.

Designs for ATV engines can begin at 50cc and go up as far as 1000cc; this means that they are either too strong or fast to bring down a tree from its roots.

The difference in the design of the ATVs and Dune Buggies is what determines what’s best for you.

If you just want to have a good time with friends, then the Dune Buggy can help you do that faster. But going through rough terrain and getting past obstacles is a lot easier when you are driving ATVs with a 450cc powerhouse.

Size

There are different shapes and sizes of ATVs available. The ones with high prices come with rooftops, and tow bars, and almost have the size of a regular small car. This means you can either find it difficult or easy to handle them due to the high bulk of weight you need to deal with while trying to turn your vehicle.

You might not necessarily find it very difficult to ride an ATV, but for you to really exercise its full potential, there’s a certain level of skill required to do that.

Their features like the lightweight frame and small wheelbase make them easily roll over when they aren’t properly handled. This is the edge dune buggies have over ATVs.

Other than the fact that dune buggies have chassis made from VW beetle and their wheel system is designed to accommodate sharp turns.

They have a low center of gravity and this makes it difficult to roll over. In addition, they are also good at handling several conditions. That’s why they are used for dune bashing and rally tournaments.

You can enjoy and have fun with dune buggies, even at high speeds without being a professional or experienced rider.

Of course, there’s a limit to how beneficial the buggies are. When talking about where to drive, they need roads that have been designed or open. ATVs can run through woods, bushes, and almost all terrains.

However, the ATVs don’t usually have number plates, or lights, so they are limited in our ways.

Design Quality

The level of the build quality of your Dune Buggies and ATVs very much depends on where you purchased your vehicles and how much you’ve got to buy them.

However, you need the several significant differences between these two concerning their build.

You can buy ATVs directly from their manufacturers, this enables you to select the quality level or build your desire; either with warranties or extra parts with them. Including the extent of engine strength you need, you can find ATVs that have similar build or design qualities that match that of expensive cars.

Know that you can also find out that some ATVs fall in despair, have rear parts and can develop serious engine faults on time. This might not happen with Dune buggies because they are custom-built vehicles, but you need to choose the best manufacturer.

You should also know that custom-built machines do not have warranties, and it can be difficult to get an external repairer. However, due to the availability of VW beetle parts, you can always get the spare parts you need to fix your buggy, and the parts don’t cost so much.

Price

ATVs are affordable vehicles; they are relatively cheap. You can own a used ATV for a fraction of the price of a brand-new one. This signifies that you have to spend a little amount to get it fixed and running optimally. But it is advisable you go for a new one if you can afford to get one.

Although new ATVs have alarming prices, it depends on the brand you choose. Utility ATVs cost much more as their gearboxes and engine systems are for a particular function.

You can figure out that ATVs are expensive also; they have large engines and come with expensive parts.

This doesn’t apply to the dune buggies, the prices are fixed and cost more than the ATVs over a long period.

Due to the initial work strain, you will have to spend so much at first; this ranges from getting the right VW beetle to purchasing a new engine, paying for new bodywork and necessary modifications.

Spare parts of a dune buggy can be easily gotten and when you’ve paid the initial costs, you might also need to spend money on maintenance from time to tie.

It’s advisable that you get a dune buggy only when you have the money to spend on vehicles. Getting an ATV is a better option when considering the price and maintenance cost factor.

Functionality

The functions of the ATVs and Dune buggies quite differ, and this is because of what they can do and where they can go. ATVs are used to cover shorter distances, while your buggies can cover a longer range than the ATVs, and you can use the buggies for a very long trip that can last for days.

ATVs are used by one person only, and there are a few models designed with seat allocation for passengers, but the dune buggies are very comfortable when you driving with a friend or with family; they accommodate more passengers than ATVs.

From the level of usage analysis, ATVs are used more frequently, and they have more functions than buggies. You can use them when hauling trailers across a farm, rallies, transporting farm produce, and even for vacation rides.

Dune buggies on the other hand have strict functionalities, they are designed for fun and how best to achieve that. They have chassis that can handle different body types.

On engine systems, dune buggies have just one type of engine, but the ATVs come in engines that can be upgraded. You should be able to access the engine on the ATV much easier than the dune buggies.

Wrap-up

Considering all these factors, you now see the point of making up your mind on what you intend to use your new vehicle for before deciding the ATV vs dune buggy; which is best for you.

They are both used for off-roading, but one is more practical. The right one is a choice only you can make.