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Yamaha and Ski-Doo are two of the biggest names in the snowmobile industry and since both brands have earned quite a reputation for themselves, it’s not easy to choose between the two. Not to worry, though, as we’ll compare two popular nameplates from both brands and find out which is best. In the blue corner, we have the widely recognized Yamaha Apex X-TX, while in the red corner, we have Ski Doo’s MXZ X-RS 800R E-TEC, a strong contender indeed. 

To select a winner, this article will look at several parameters, including overall performance, utility, price, and maintenance fees. But before we begin, it’s important to mention that a snowmobile’s ownership costs and whether or not it’s a good choice for you will largely depend on your specific usage. For instance, a bigger sled is a better option if you’ll mostly use yours to travel with a lot of gear, while smaller and more maneuverable ones are better suited for enthusiasts. Similarly, your average mileage will have a direct impact on the service requirements (and a quick look inside your Ski-Doo 800R or Yamaha Apex owner’s manual will reveal that snowmobiles need to be maintained quite regularly).

Still, if you are into winter trips in deep snow, there’s no better option than a decent sled. So which one should you go for — Yamaha or Ski-Doo?

Let’s see about that!

Engine and Performance

For a start, the Apex X-TX and Ski-Doo 800R E-Tec are both performance snowmobiles built for speed and endurance — no slouch here. As a result, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the Apex X-TX is one of Yamaha’s best-selling performance snowmobiles, thanks to the four-stroke liquid-cooled engine producing a solid 150 hp. Meanwhile, the Ski-Doo 800 E-Tec gets a two-stroke inline engine, churning out 146 hp.

As a result of the larger four-stroke Genesis 150 TFI 998cc engine, the Apex is much heavier, which has a negative impact on driving dynamics. On the other hand, the E-Tec packs a lighter 800 cc Rotax engine, giving Ski-Doo’s snowmobile a better power-to-weight ratio. Put simply, the Apex X-TX has a higher top speed at 115 mph, while the 800 E-Tec is still the quicker of the two, despite the small power deficiency.

As a result, the Yamaha Apex X-TX is undeniably more stable, especially in deep powder, and has a higher towing capacity, which is a plus if you plan to carry a trailer up the hill. 

So if you want a snowmobile that is lighter, quicker, and more maneuverable, the Ski-Doo 800 E-Tec should be your go-to choice. If you prefer a bigger and more practical snowmobile that can tow heavier loads, the Apex X-TX is what you need. 

Driving Experience

Without a doubt, both snowmobiles have been designed with driving experience in mind. Ski-Doo has paid a lot of attention to its customer’s needs and has installed independent double A-arm suspension, stabilizer bar, and KYB shock absorbers at the front. Things are equally interesting at the rear with KYB adjustable gas shocks and rMotion suspension. All these enhancements make the Ski-Doo playful and lively to drive. 

Meanwhile, the X-TX’s independent double-wishbone type suspension with a Fox Float high-pressure gas rear shock absorber provides a smoother driving experience. Still, the Apex does feel like a handful at first and needs getting used to, though the power steering helps mitigate that.

Price

It’s important to remember that snowmobiles are costly, and if you are looking to get your hands on one, you should be prepared financially. If you are on a budget, a used model would undeniably be a better choice. Indeed, snowmobiles depreciate a lot faster in comparison to cars. Notably, a brand-new snowmobile can lose up to 60% of its original value in the first four years.

For instance, if you bought a new Yamaha Apex X-TX in 2016, it would have cost you around $14,700. Today, you can easily get a used model for as low as $4,000 — that’s definitely not to neglect. Still, we would advise against buying extremely cheap samples as they might incur heftier maintenance costs. Go for models priced between $6,000 and $8,000 instead, which may still sound a bit expensive for a used sled but you’ll be saving much more on replacement parts in the long run. 

And if that’s out of your budget, it might be a good idea to switch to the Ski-Doo, a cheaper model overall. Indeed, you’ll find several Ski-Doo 800 E-Tec in proper condition online, priced well below the $6,000 mark — and if you are lucky enough, you might even land a mint 800 E-Tec for $5,000.

Again, regardless of what you decide to buy, always carefully inspect it using a trusted Ski-Doo or Yamaha Apex repair manual (not sure where to get one? eManualOnline have you covered). Watch out for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks in the track, defective front suspensions, or a leaking engine. I know, buying your first sled is always a good feeling, but making a hasty purchase will only lead to tears later down the road.

Maintenance and Parts Expense

Yamaha has always been a manufacturer of reliable products and carries the same reputation in the snowmobile industry. However, you will find that replacement parts for the Ski-Doo 800 E-Tec are generally much more affordable (though the engine tends to be a tad more problematic).

For instance, owners spend on average between $250 and $280 annually to maintain their 800 E-Tec, while the X-TX would set you back well over $300. A fresh new pair of skis for your X-TX can cost $160, while the same for an 800 E-Tec starts from $119.

The difference is even more significant with larger components. For example, a crankcase assembly on the X-TX is priced over $2,000 compared to only $979 for the 800 E-Tec. Other parts such as the water pump, cylinder heads, and radiator hoses also cost more on the X-TX. 

And these were just the part-related expenses, but you will also need to consider labor charges, which are no less than $100 per hour. If you are looking to keep maintenance costs on the lower side, I would highly suggest getting a Ski-Doo or Yamaha Apex service manual and start taking matters into your own hands. After all, repairing your own sled is always your best bet to cut down on labor costs. A seasoned DIY’er can save up to $100-$150 annually just on maintenance and repair. 

Last Words

So which one is better? Which one should you buy? Well, it depends on what you want it for. The Ski-Doo 800 E-Tec is lighter and more agile, and frankly, much more fun to drive. However, the Yamaha Apex X-TX is more durable and excels at other tasks, like towing and keeping the driver in the driver’s seat.

Therefore, if you favor performance over practicality and want to keep maintenance costs down, the Ski-Doo 800 E-Tec is the right snowmobile for you. It is quicker, much easier to handle and parts are also cheaper. Meanwhile, the X-TX is more powerful and ideal for hauling, long distances, and heavy-duty use.

In short, both are suited for specific rider styles but are each excellent at what they do — you simply can’t go wrong with either model, to be honest!