To some the difference between Arctic Cat’s Mountain Cat 154 and Hardcore 154 is as glaring as Dynamic Charcoal and Orange. To others, other than the skin tones, these two snowmobiles are practically identical.
The editors of SnoWest Magazine had to look long and hard to find any significant separations in the two models … and our conclusions are shocking.
First, there are plenty of similarities between these two models. Both are built on the Ascender Platform, specifically designed for mountain riding with a flat track-to-snow approach angle to lift you up out of the snow. The running boards are also built to allow forward foot positioning for better balance and weight transfer.
Both feature the Alpa One single-beam rear skid that positions the pivot points in the center of the tunnel to facilitate side-to-side turn initiation. This is also a clean suspension that doesn’t trap snow, making it clean and light in any type of snow condition.
Both models come with the 8000 Series C-Tec2 engine that delivers incredible power for a lightweight two-stroke engine. This engine features the Arctic Power Valve system with three-stage control of the auxiliary exhaust ports for clean, responsive power.
The Arctic Cat Adapt CVT transfers the power to the track with improved throttle response. The 154x3-inch Power Claw track hooks up strong and works efficiently to propel you through the deepest snow conditions.
Sure handling begins with the AMS front suspension that is lightweight and designed for aggressive cornering and predictable counter-steering. The forged-aluminum spindles and dual-phase alloy-steel A-arms are lightweight, durable and built to reduce drag. An adjustable ski stance allows you to go from 35.5 inches wide (for optimum tree riding and sidehilling) to 37.5 inches wide (for greater control on the trails).
So besides the paint and decals, where do these two snowmobiles differ?
The short answer is in the shock package. Although there are a few minor differences between the Mountain Cat and Hardcore, it all comes down to the shock package and whether the emphasis is on staying on top of the snow or hitting the big bumps.
The Mountain Cat uses Fox Float QS3 shocks, which are clean and lightweight. The QS3s are easy to adjust with three position settings plus a rear lockout setting. They are designed with the emphasis to travel clean in deep powder while providing a smooth ride on the mountain trails.
The Hardcore uses Fox 1.5 Zero QS3 Coil-over shocks that are a little heavier and better suited for the bigger bumps and long drops. They also feature three quickly adjustable settings.
So which snowmobile do you want to buy?
Price-wise, these two are practically the same … so that shouldn’t influence any decision. The Hardcore is set up to allow greater weight transfer to allow it to be more playful on the mountain. The Mountain Cat is set up to keep the front end flatter so it’s more predictable in the powder.
Our initial take would be if you are more of a seasoned powder rider, the Mountain Cat would be your first choice. But then, you would likely need to look at the Mountain Cat 165 which would offer greater flotation.
If you are a younger terrain rider then the Hardcore may be your first choice. However, the Hardcore also comes in a 165 which would allow for deep-snow conditions.
Arctic Cat has made this a tough decision by creating two very similar sleds. But at the same time, Cat has given you the option to pick the sled specifically designed for your riding style. Who could object to that choice?