The Fastest Snowmobiles

A snowmobile is a type of vehicle used on snow and ice that can be driven on trails, paths and some roadways during the winter. The speed of a snowmobile is going to vary depending on the amount of powder on the ground and the terrain, but having a high horsepower engine can indicate the speed and power of a snowmobile and its ability to move through space. According to Web-Cars.com, one horsepower is defined as 33,000 lb.ft./minute, which indicates the amount of pounds that can be moved over the course of a minute.

  1. 2011 Artic Cat F8 EXT

    • With more than 160 horsepower, the 2011 Arctic Cat F8 EXT has a 794cc Suzuki two-stroke engine. The snowmobile features a rear storage bed, hand guards, sport front bumper and electric start capability. Riders can keep track of their speed with a digital speedometer. The fuel capacity is 12.6 gallons, and the dimensions of the snowmobile are 125 inches by 47 inches. The seat can be adjusted to fit a rider's body type, and a dual halogen light provides enough light to ride safely at night.

    2011 Yamaha Apex SE

    • The 2011 Yamaha Apex SE has more than 150 horsepower and Yamaha Genesis 998cc, four-stroke, four-cylinder engine. Dimensions of the snowmobile are 112 inches by 48 inches. Additional features include an electronic control module (ECM) that has a power steering system. The fuel capacity of the snowmobile it just more than nine gallons.

    2011 Polaris 800 Switchback Assault 144

    • The 2011 Polaris 800 Switchback Assault 144 has a Polaris Liberty 795cc Cleanfire liquid-cooled two-stroke twin engine rated at more than 150 horsepower. This snowmobile differs from previous Polaris models in that it features wider running boards, wider lightweight seat, hydraulic brakes with lightweight discs, aluminum rear bumper and spring rear suspension. The dimensions of the snowmobile are 126 inches by 48 inches, and the fuel capacity is 11.5 gallons.

    2011 Ski-Doo GSX SE

    • The Rotax 1170cc, four-stroke engine provides the 2011 Ski-Doo GSX SE with more than 130 horsepower. The snowmobile has plastic skis that reduces noise on the track, which allows the machine to meet regulated decibel ratings. Riders can also use the electric start and push reverse buttons to control the snowmobile. With a fuel capacity of 10.6 gallons, the dimensions of the snowmobile are 122 inches by 48 inches.