Been reading posts in all categories ... I have narrowed my side by side purchase to the CFMoto Zforce series over the wildcat or rzr.   Now trying to decide between 2017 Z500 or Z800.  I understand the new 500HO is approx 10% more hp and 13%more torque than the older 600?

I am an older rider who does not hot rod around the trails, so my belief is the 500 should be fine.  I have test drove only the 500, will be going back for another test drive before purchase where I will attempt to test both 500 and 800.

Excellent forum!

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Although the 500 is probably good enough..why not have the older tried and true...and much more powerful 800. Still get great gas mileage and have the power to haul about what-ever you want up any mountain or work as needed without half the strain on the engine. Not saying the 500 is a bad choice..and would most likely be just fine most of the time..just saying what my father always told me which was: "Better to have and not need...then to need.. and not have" or "better to have too much.. then not enough"

Just my 2-cents. 

I am an older rider as well. When I was considering the Zforce I too looked at the Zforce 500HO, however, went with the 800. It meets and exceeds my needs. I agree with NMK totally to quote,  "Better to have and not need...then to need.. and not have" or "better to have too much.. then not enough".

I have the Zforce 500 and love it. So depending on what trails you are planing to ride is also something to consider. For tight trails and slow speed riding the 500 will do great. If you ride on more strait open trails or long hill climbs where you can utilize the power the 800 would be better. Just something else to consider.

I have the 800ex and love it.  I agree the 500 is probably enough.  But I don't like probably when I'm spending thousands of dollars.  $20 shoes? I'll probably get use from them. Lol ok. But, when investing this much money...... ?
Plus try to see what parts and accessories are READILY available for each.  I believe the 800's have more produced than its 500 brother. 

I appreciate the comments, I'm upgrading to a sxs from a lifted golf cart where we ride on mostly flat land low speed trails / logging roads etc.....  when comparing prices and options, seems 20% $$$ more for the 800 over the 500 might be better spent to equip with accessories such as windshield, back window, air filter etc ....

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

I appreciate the comments, I'm upgrading to a sxs from a lifted golf cart where we ride on mostly flat land low speed trails / logging roads etc.....  when comparing prices and options, seems 20% $$$ more for the 800 over the 500 might be better spent to equip with accessories such as windshield, back window, air filter etc ....

Well, if that's all you do.. and will ever do then the 500 is way more then enough and is the best choice. We just didn't want you to be one of the 30% that comes back and asks how to get more power out of their 500...lol.  Our pat-answer is..."should have got the 800"...

The goal is to enjoy the outdoors..safely and with friends and family so..go for it, be safe and have memorable adventures. Take lots of photos and videos if you can.

Well said!! That's the biggest thing.  Just enjoying the ride.  Don't need a racer, but sometimes.....well....I heard lol.....you may need to drive on the road for a tiny bit to get to other trails. 
I've said this before in here, get what you will be happy with and the rest will take care of itself.

LOL All you guys are like "500cc is enough" and im over here thinking "can i get a 1k machine with a turbo PLEASE!!!!".  I run a 800ex that is tuned up pretty well right now...but I still want more power.  With that being said.  500 may be more than enough for some people.  Just not me.

 I bought the 800 ex because at the time it was that or that little 1 cylinder 600, and no such thing as the 1000. So the 800 won. V twin more than enough  power,and 72 mph on the back roads!!!!! I use it to pull my trailer out of the back yard,and other stuff. hauling 3 sacks of chicken feed up the hill in my backyard pulling out bushes, and stuck 900 RZR'S  !!!! So the 800 was my best choice jmo!!!!

I had a 500 Hisun and my thinking it will do what I wanna do and did after awhile went away trying to cross a ditch and had to lock it in and it didn't have enough power to pull itself out! To me it's better to have to much power than not enough instead of wishing you had went bigger to start with just like I did!  That's just my opinion!