UTVs and dune buggies are close cousins. In fact, they’re so chummy and similar that many people use their various models interchangeably. This isn’t due to any oversight on the part of users, but simply because they share plenty of attributes.
The reason for this ambiguity is that both UTVs and dune buggies originate from the same classification of vehicles, which is the all-terrain category. There are some differences though, especially in high-end models which push the limits of design to the max.
If you were wondering which one of these vehicles is right for you, read this comparison of UTV vs. dune buggy to find out.
Comparing the Big Rivals: UTVs and Dune Buggies
Here’s an interesting fact: dune buggies are the prototypes of UTVs!
Back in the 1960s, the Volkswagen Beatle conquered the world with its air-cooled motor. That technology was soon borrowed for other uses, like a vehicle that drives nicely on the sand. Around 1964, a beach vehicle was devised with pretty much a frame and an awesome motor.
From driving on the smooth sands, these lightweight vehicles soon received better suspension systems, more horsepower, and wheels with much higher traction. That made them so ready for the dunes.
Innovation never stops, and that inevitably led to more advanced versions of dune buggies: New vehicles capable of driving off-road on rough trails, rocks, technical roads, and even mud. Those were eventually called UTVs.
In our modern times, dune buggies and UTVs share plenty of features. Here are the basic differences and similarities.
Usage
Utility Trail Vehicles, which we generally refer to as UTVs, are also known as side-by-sides, and a bunch of other nicknames. This reflects the huge popularity of these vehicles. UTVs are further divided into sports models and work models.
Thus, there’s barely any place where these awesome vehicles wouldn’t go. Whether that is for business or pleasure.
Dune buggies are, theoretically, dedicated vehicles that only roam and brave the sand dunes. In reality, they can also take on tough trails. They look and act a lot like UTVs, with luxurious additions, spacious interiors, and some are wide enough for a bunch of passengers.
These vehicles dominate the deserts probably more than any other type of car. They have the biggest hype in racing, exploring, touring, touristic adventures, and various other sporting activities. A lesser-known usage is to secure the perimeters of desert-based facilities and other military applications.
Horsepower
Getting a vehicle to drive on rough trails, climb steep slopes, take on rocky roads, and glide over muddy grounds is a huge ask. The same applies to getting over the tricky nature of sands and dunes.
That’s why the motors of both UTVs and dune buggies need to have mighty horsepowers.
A popular dune buggy like the Yamaha YXZ1000R SE goes with 90 ponies, which are often pushing the rear-drive. More recently, the motor power became distributed over the whole quad, which gives a much superior performance and total control.
Another marvelous buggy that runs like a gazelle over the dunes is the Buckshot Racing X5R, and that one has a horsepower ranging from 510 HP to 750 HPdepending on the individual configuration. A turbo model takes the power up to 1200 HP, which is not bad at all!
One of the hottest recreational UTVs is the Polaris RZR XP Turbo. Its turbocharged motor easily delivers 168 HP to an all-wheel-drive system. The Can-Am Maverick X3 X RC Turbo RR is another beauty that harnesses a 195 HP motor in a lightweight frame, and that combo makes for an extremely capable vehicle.
Speed
UTVs aren’t too focused on speed, as their main business is driving on impossible trails. Thus, they are quite content with going at an average speed range of 45-85 mph. Some models exceed that, especially the ones made for racing and recreational sports.
As for dune buggies, these vehicles are built for adventure. Thus they fly off the sand at speeds from around 70 to 95 mph.
Suspension
The elaborate suspension systems of both UTVs and dune buggies are absolute necessities. Otherwise, whoever is riding these vehicles would be traumatized by the bumps and jumps of the odd terrain.
These suspension systems are actually massive and quite visible, unlike the suspension systems in regular cars.
The type of suspension used for a buggy is slightly different from that in a UTV. that’s because of the differences in terrain each one of them has to deal with, for starters, one is soft sand and the other is often hard rock.
This isn’t always the case though, and sometimes manufacturers place the same system in both types of cars.
Off-Road Performance
UTVs are general-purpose utility vehicles that drive well on pretty much all kinds of terrain and trail. Dune buggies, on the other hand, are more attuned to deserts.
In general, UTVs are far more versatile and usable than dune buggies. On occasion, they also provide higher stability in all kinds of conditions.
Sand Dunes Performance
Contrary to the situation above, dune buggies dominate the sands. UTVs would still go far and wide, but they wouldn’t have the same agility, traction, or speed as the buggies.
Racing Capabilities
Dune buggies usually have higher motor power and speeding capabilities than UTVs. This is more demonstrable on the sands though. On a rocky trail, the UTV would show more control and general superiority.
Thus, the deciding factor here isn’t only the muscle power of the car, but just as importantly, where the race is taking place.
Price
The range of prices for both UTVs and dune buggies is pretty wide. It often goes from $15,000 to $50,000, with the most popular models selling at around $30,000.
There are some outliers crossing the $120,000 mark, like the Tatum Dragon Sand Car. Another breathtaking vehicle is the Zarooq Sand Racer, which sells for more than $450,000. This one is pretty much the only luxurious fully capable off-road vehicle to this date.
Conclusion
The previous comparison shows clearly how close UTVs and dune buggies are. However, there are some serious differences.
In the obvious situation where desert usage is the primary concern, then a sand buggy would be a great choice. Otherwise, it’s the versatile and affordable UTVs all the way!