Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of snowmobiles? Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled discussion as we pit two heavyweights against each other: the Polaris RMK and the Ski-Doo Summit. These two giants in the snowmobiling industry have been battling it out for dominance on snowy terrains worldwide, leaving enthusiasts wondering – which one truly reigns supreme?
1-Price:
Everyone wants to know the price of the thing before buying it that’s why I am placing this heading at the top of the list.
- Our Polaris rmk costs almost $16300
- While our ski doo costs almost $14500
Huge difference? But a true snowmobile lover is not scared by the price. A true snowmobile lover buys the snowmobile after looking at its specifications, not at price. So let’s have a look at the specifications of these two snowmobiles.
Note: prices may vary according to the region in which you live.
2-Engine:
- Polaris has a Patriot™ engine with 840 CC displacement
- Ski-doo has a Rotax® engine with an 849 cc displacement
- Both engines have two cylinders and are 2-stroke
- Both with pull starter
- Both with the liquid cooling system
- Both with 1 year of warranty
The Patriot™ engine in Polaris RMK is a cutting-edge, high-performance two-stroke motor. It’s recognized for its exceptional power-to-weight ratio, providing enthusiastic riders with great control and agility even in deep snow conditions.
On the other hand, the Rotax® engine in Ski-Doo Summit extensively utilizes 2- or 4-stroke technology ensuring optimal performance in harsh winter sports. It stands out with its advanced pDrive clutch system and lightweight design enabling superior responsiveness and fuel efficiency for maximum fun on slopes.
Don’t know the difference between
fan cooled vs liquid cooled snowmobile
2-stroke and 4-stroke snowmobile
3-Weight and dimensions:
- Both snowmobiles are 198 kilograms heavy
- Polaris RMK is 53 inches high while ski doo summit is 54.9 inches high
- Polaris RMK is 11.26 inches long while ski doo summit is 10.46 inches long
- Polaris RMK measures 43.4 inches in width while the ski doo summit is 43.7 inches wide
Both the Polaris RMK and Ski-Doo Summit have an identical weight of 198 kilograms. The Polaris RMK stands slightly shorter at 53 inches, compared to the Ski-Doo Summit which is higher at 54.9 inches. Despite being lower, the Polaris RMK is slightly longer, measuring 11.26 inches in length as opposed to Summit’s 10.46 inches. In terms of width, both are almost similar with RMK measuring 43.4 inches and the Ski-Doo Summit just a fraction wider at 43.7 inches.
So I think these differences do not matter.
4-Brakes:
Knowing about the brakes of your snowmobile is also crucial because it’s a very important factor for safety.
- Polaris RMK is equipped with RMK® hydraulic disc brake system
- Ski-doo Summit is equipped with a Brembo® hydraulic disc brake system
The RMK® hydraulic disc brake system in the Polaris RMK snowmobile offers reliable stopping power and is designed to handle harsh winter conditions. It uses a hydraulic mechanism for efficient braking.
On the other hand, the Brembo® hydraulic disc brake system present in the Ski-Doo Summit snowmobile is known for its high performance. Being a product of a world leader in braking technology, it provides precise control, excellent responsiveness, and long-lasting durability.
5-Fuel:
- You can use regular fuel with your Polaris RMK snowmobile
- But you have to use premium fuel for your ski doo Summit
- Polaris has 11 liters of fuel capacity
- Ski-doo has 9.5 liters of fuel capacity
6-Fuel efficiency:
Polaris RMK typically uses regular fuel, also known as gasoline, which is a commonly available and cost-effective option for snowmobile operation. This type of fuel provides satisfactory performance under normal operating conditions and temperatures.
On the other hand, Ski-Doo Summit usually requires premium fuel, which has a higher octane level than regular fuel. This leads to better combustion efficiency and can provide improved performance and engine longevity. While it’s more expensive than regular gas, the use of premium fuel can help in optimizing the performance of high-end vehicles like the Ski-Doo Summit.
7-Skis :
- Polaris RMK is equipped with Gripper® skis
- Ski-doo summit is equipped with Pilot™ skis
- Polaris RMK has a maximum ski stance of 38 inches and a minimum of 36 inches
- Ski-doo summit has a maximum ski stance of up to 37.4 inches and a minimum ski stance of up to 35.8 inches
8-Some words on skis:
The Gripper® skis that equip the Polaris RMK are known for providing superior traction in deep snow conditions. They have a wider design and their unique profile offers excellent side-hilling capabilities, making them ideal for navigating through rough terrains.
On the other hand, the Pilot™ skis on Ski-doo Summit offer an adjustable flex and feature square keel and loop designs. These contribute to precise, effortless handling even at slower speeds or on flatter terrains. Known for their versatility, Pilot™ skis thus provide balanced performance across various snow conditions.
9-Track:
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- Polaris RMK is equipped with a series 8-track
- Ski-doo summit is equipped with powder max track
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- Polaris RMK track is 155 inches long
- Ski-doo summit track is 154 inches long
- Polaris RMK track is 15 inches wide
- The ski-doo summit track is 16 inches wide
- Lug height in Polaris RMK is 2.75 inches
- Lug height in the ski doo summit is 2.5 inches
In comparing the Polaris RMK and Ski-doo Summit’s track dimensions, the differences are substantial.
While both models feature exclusive tracks — a Series 8 for the Polaris RMK and a Powder Max for the Ski-Doo Summit— they differ in length, width, and lug height. The Polaris track is slightly longer at 155 inches compared vs. Ski-doo’s 154 inches.
However, Ski-Doo Summit pulls ahead in terms of track width providing just over 16 inches versus Polaris’ 15 inches, potentially offering superior flotation in powdery situations.
Lug height is higher in Polaris RMK with its 2.75-inch lugs besting Ski-Doo’s 2.5 inches, which can contribute to improved traction and climbing ability in certain conditions.
These distinctions validate that each model provides unique performance characteristics depending upon individual riding style and terrain requirements.
10-Shocks:
- In front, rear, and center of Polaris RMK Walker Evans Racing (WER®) shocks are present.
- In the rear of the ski doo summit, tMotion shocks are present while at the front and center, HPG shocks are present
Polaris RMK utilizes Walker Evans Racing (WER®) shocks throughout its suspension system: front, center, and rear. This consistency provides a unified feel across all terrains and conditions, as the WER shocks are known for their high-quality performance and durability.
The Ski-Doo Summit, on the other hand, opts for a combination of shocks. It uses tMotion shocks in the rear. This assists in enhancing maneuverability while reducing rollover during sharp turns. The HPG shocks at the front and center provide good suspension response and jump absorption.
Therefore, both models present effective shock-absorbing options throughout their respective chassis but prioritize different aspects of ride optimization.
11-Suspensions:
- In the front part of Polaris independent A-Arm suspensions are present
- In front of the ski doo summit, independent double A-Arm suspensions are present
- Polaris RMK uses MATRYX RMK® KHAOS® suspensions at its rear part
- Ski-doo Summit uses tMotion suspensions at its rear part
The Polaris RMK and Ski-Doo Summit snowmobiles have differing front and rear suspension setups which offer diverse riding experiences.
In the front, the Polaris RMK is equipped with independent A-Arm suspensions. This system provides a stable ride by reducing cam rollback, thus ensuring precision and control during aggressive riding.
On the other hand, the Ski-Doo Summit features an independent double A-Arm front suspension. This setup allows for greater shock absorption and improved steering capability because of its ability to dynamically adjust to changing terrain.
At the rear, the Polaris RMK utilizes MATRYX RMK® KHAOS® suspension. It’s designed essentially for deep snow mobility, enhancing rider balance and providing quicker weight transfer.
Conversely, the Ski-Doo Summit uses a tMotion rear suspension that offers increased responsiveness and flexibility by enabling a tilt in the lateral direction. This makes it adept at handling sharp turns in backcountry snow conditions.
Also check:
Ski doo Renegade vs MXZ
Polaris SKS vs RMK Ski Doo Skandic vs Expedition
