Dune Buggy vs ATV: What Are The Differences?

It can be easy for most people to confuse dune buggies and ATVs for one another. Both of these vehicles bring you closer to the outdoors and serve similar functions when you go off-roading, making them easy to mix up. While they have several characteristics in common with one another, several attributes differentiate them from each other.

If you’re considering purchasing an off-roading vehicle, it’s crucial to understand the differences that set these two apart to make the best decision for your outdoor needs.

Here are the characteristics of ATVs and Dune Buggies and how these off-roading cornerstones differ.

Where Can It Go?
How Can You Use It?
Available Modifications
Size Differences
How Much Does it Cost?
Which One Is The Right One?

Where Can It Go?

Although ATVs and Dune Buggies both serve the purpose of outdoor riding, they have distinct requirements on the kind of riding they can handle. For instance, an ATV serves the purpose of short rides, usually lasting a day or so at a time to limit wear and tear. But dune buggies can be used for long journeys spanning several days and traversing over many kinds of terrain.

An ATV is a versatile off-roading tool that can handle different landscapes, but a dune buggy’s primary use is longer rides.

When making your decision, keep in mind how long your journey is and choose the vehicle that suits your style the best.

How Can You Use It?

ATVs are well-known for their versatility, making them valuable tools for completing hard-labor tasks. People throughout the world rely on ATVs to tackle jobs that include

Farm work
Hunting
Construction
And transportation across resorts

In contrast, a Dune Buggy isn’t known as a working vehicle, but it is primarily a vehicle used in races and outdoor excursions.

But, if you want to take your Dune Buggy for a ride on the town, it’s easier to do so than using an ATV.

For example, most ATVs aren’t street legal, meaning you couldn’t just take them out for a ride on the road without getting yourself in some hot water. An ATV offers little protection for everyday driving and can impede traffic, making them a liability for everyday use.

Dune Buggies are street-legal in some states but must meet a list of requirements before receiving a registration.

These requirements depend on the state you live in and the dune buggy you purchase.

Available Modifications

Another critical difference between Dune Buggies and ATVs is how you can modify them.

Many ATV enthusiasts understand the intricacies of how to modify their vehicles. How they can alter their ATV depends on how they want to use it, as certain tasks require specific modifications to be completed. For instance, if you want to use your ATV as a tool to haul heavy objects around or for other jobs, it may require modifications to help you get the job done.

Some modifications you can make to an ATV include

Changing the wheels
Upgrading its exhaust system
Adding a wench
Installing a gun rack
Installing a spreader for farm work
Installing working lights for jobs after sundown

The ways you can modify an ATV depend on how you want to use it, but you have many options on the table if you wish to use them.

Dune Buggy modifications are primarily suited for off-roading needs such as changing shocks, upgrading its suspension, changing its roll cage, and others. While these modifications can help a dune buggy for an outdoor adventure, they aren’t designed to help with day-to-day tasks.

The modifications available to you do depend on if you want to use your vehicle as a tool to help accomplish tasks or a way to get away from hard labor and have some fun.

Size Differences

While some people believe they can handle any size vehicle, it can be difficult to tell until you begin riding it. ATVs can vary in size, which can impact their handling capabilities. While larger ATVs may come with additional features, they may be more challenging to maneuver through turns and increase the risk of rolling over. Smaller ATVs, however, require their rider(s) to get comfortable with their handling to avoid incidents.

The design of the Dune Buggy makes it ideal for winding around tight corners and sharp turns. Although it is more aerodynamic than its counterpart, the Dune Buggy isn’t necessarily the best option for getting through thick brush or dense forests if need be.

How Much Does it Cost?

In addition to their other differences, one of the most significant factors in comparing ATVs to Dune Buggies is their price differences. How much you spend on your vehicle includes factors such as

It’s brand
Accessories
Engine
Tires size/type
Suspension

The average cost of an ATV runs between $5000-$15,000 but depends on the factors above.

By comparison, the average cost of a Dune Buggy can be between $1500-15,000. How much you want to spend depends on how you want to use your vehicle and how each one fits your lifestyle.

Which One Is The Right One?

Understanding the differences between ATVs and Dune Buggies can help you make the best decision for your needs and lifestyle. If you prefer an all-around experience, an ATV may work for you. But if you want to use your vehicle to have fun and rip through the outdoors, a Dune Buggy might be what you need.

Although these vehicles share some similarities, their differences can be determining factors in how you spend your time outdoors.