What Is the Power Difference Between the Polaris Ranger RZR and RZR S?
David Ramirez
Updated on March 12, 2026
To the human eye, the Ranger RZR and RZR S are nearly identical. Both side-by-side off-road vehicles have identical engines and transmission systems, but the S Series offers a better front and rear-suspension system, larger wheels and a slightly larger frame than its original Ranger counterpart.
Engine
The Ranger RZR and RZR S are identical in terms of engine, transmission and braking system. Both have a twin-cyliner, 4-stroke 760cc high-output engine with an electronic fuel injection and liquid cooling system. Both offer an on-demand automatic 2-wheel drive system and a Polaris Variable Transmission -- PVT -- drivetrain. The braking systems of both models offer front and rear 4-wheel hydraulic-disc braking systems with dual-bore front calipers, as well as an in-transmission parking brake.
Suspension
The front and rear suspension systems are significantly different on the Ranger RZR and RZR S models. The front suspension of the Ranger RZR includes a dual A-arm with 9-inch anti-sway bar, while the RZR S provides a 12-inch anti-sway bar and no dual A-arm. For rear suspension, the Ranger RZR and RZR S both offer dual A-arms, but with respective 9.5-inch and 12-inch rolled anti-sway bars.
Wheels
The wheelbase of both the Ranger RZR and RZR S is 77 inches, but wheel size and construction differ. The Ranger 800 has Maxxis wheels made from stamped steel, while the RZR S offers cast aluminum ITP 900 XCT wheels. Both front and rear wheels are slightly larger on the RZR S model.
Size
A slight difference exists in the overall weight and size of the Ranger RZR and RZR S models. The Ranger RZR has a ground clearance of 10 inches, weighs 979 pounds and is 103 inches long, 50 inches wide and 69 inches high. The RZR S clears 12.5 inches, weighs 1022 pounds and is 104 inches long, 60.5 inches wide and 70.5 high.
Color Options and Price
The Polaris Ranger RZR and RZR S are both available in Indy Red. The RZR 800 is also available in Polaris Pursuit Camo and limited edition Magnetic Metallic, Boardwalk Blue and the dual-tone White Lightning/Red. The limited edition colors for the RZR 800 S include Liquid Silver/Red and White/Orange Madness. At the time of publication, a standard RZR S costs $1,400 more than the Ranger RZR.
