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May 20, 2016 4 min read 27 Comments

As golf carts continue to grow in popularity, more individuals and businesses are purchasing golf carts for various purposes. It is safe to say that golf carts are not just for golfing anymore.

When shopping for your golf cart, how do you decide which brand is right for you? Club Car and EZGO are the two most popular golf cart manufacturers and are both American products. Both companies claim to be the best golf cart in North America. Deciding between the two means identifying the make and model that fits your lifestyle and delivers the maximum performance, style, and durability that you expect.

What is the primary use?

The uses for golf carts are practically limitless. From running around the neighborhood, hauling trash or equipment, doing yard work, hunting, transporting for your business, to of course, golfing, golf carts are versatile. Understanding how your cart will be used primarily is the first step towards choosing the perfect cart. 

One of the most important things to consider is the performance specs of the motor/controller package, which largely drives performance and produces the torque and speed of the cart.  The more amps, the more torque. Keep in mind that battery life is affected by performance controllers.

EZGO – The Rugged, Affordable Cart

EZGO Golf Cart

 

The first EZGO golf cart was introduced in 1954. Known to be some of the most rugged vehicles on the market today, Bad Boy Buggies use an EZGO style frame for their hunting carts. In 2010, EZGO acquired them to add to their own brand offering. One of the primary benefits of choosing an EZGO is the reputation for being durable.

EZGO’s are well designed, have a steel frame, and are very durable. EZGO replacement and aftermarket parts are fairly inexpensive and easy find and purchase. The EZGO has a smooth ride and offer plenty of options and upgrades to turn a basic cart into the electric vehicle you need. Built with quality materials, EZGOs are also known to be easy to maintain.

EZGO golf carts are available in electric or gas powered models. 

EZGO PROS 

  • Offers models with Series motors and PDS set ups. Series are the best set-up for future upgrades and PDS is the technology of the future and s programmable.
  • EZGOs are well designed.
  • EZGOs are constructed with a durable, steel frame.
  • Replacement parts and upgrades are fairly inexpensive and available.
  • Smooth ride.
  • Offers several packages including the Party Package, the Family Package, and the Neighborhood Package.

EZGO CONS

  • They are constructed with a steel frame, which quickly erodes in Southern, humid states or coastal areas.
  • EZGOs do not perform as well on hilly terrain or with heavy loads unless controller and cables are upgraded.
  • Older EZGO carts were built with GE Motors that are not known to perform well.
  • The forward / reverse shifter is short and many users complain. There are a few products on the market to extend the shifter.

If you decide to purchase an EZGO golf cart, ask the dealer to spray the frame with a rust-preventative paint.

CLUB CAR – Quality In The Details

Pros & cons: club car vs. Ezgo golf carts

Club Car has been a leader in quality, innovative golf carts since the 1950's. They pride themselves in a corporate environment that prioritizes customer satisfaction.

Club Car golf carts are designed with the most innovative and useful features on the market which are routinely included as standard equipment. Their aircraft- quality aluminum frame guarantees against rust and provides lightweight durability. Club Car golf carts utilize improved power for uphill driving as well as enhancements to the speed controls, balancing speed and torque. Club Car golf carts are known to have a tighter turn radius, making them more agile on the green and in neighborhoods. Offering a variety of models, including two, four, six, and eight seaters, Club Car offers something for everyone.

Club Car offers industry related golf carts catering to Golf Hospitality, Turf Industries, and Transportation. Both electric and gas models are popular. When a buyer purchases a Club Car golf cart, it is not uncommon for them to have it for 20 years. 

CLUB CAR PROS

  • Club Cars are great for hunting vehicles and require very few upgrades to hit the woods.
  • They handle well on hilly terrain.
  • They offer power in various terrains and have a tighter turn radius.
  • Club Car golf carts are known for high quality steering.
  • The stock motors are high quality and run strong.
  • Club Car comes standard with a light weight aluminum frame that will not rust.
  • They offer smooth suspension systems.
  • Club Car golf carts, when well maintained, will last for over twenty years.
  • Parts are readily available.

CLUB CAR CONS

  • Club Car owners experience issues with the clutch on gas models
  • Parts tend to be a bit more expensive than their counterparts.
  • Club Cars can put more of a drain on batteries than their competitors.

If you are looking for a custom Club Car built to your specifications check out Tomball Golf Carts.

Once you have decided which features are the most important, consider the pros and cons of each and commit to a decision. No matter which cart you choose, you are sure to be pleased.

 WHEELZ Custom Carts has been a leading provide of golf cart parts and accessories since 2008. 


27 Responses

Mark Jordan
Mark Jordan

February 23, 2021

Hi Guys,
Can the EZGO TXT motor 2013 work on a 2013 club car precedent?

Christopher
Christopher

January 08, 2021

Zack,
I will have the same decision you describe above between the EZGO S4 and Club Car Onward Lifted. Curious as to which way you decided to go and why?

Thanks!

K V
K V

January 08, 2021

New to golf carts.
We are debating between the EZGO 2020 and a Precedent converted in 2020. Opinion? Seems like CLub car takes more pressure on accelortor. Felt the same way about the Onward. Also concerned because we live in North Florida— very humid in the summer. What is your opinion?

Kenny
Kenny

January 08, 2021

I have several carts. I have gas and electric in both Club Car and EZ Gos. I love the Club Car Precedents,especially the roof and downspouts feature. The water is contained and channeled down under the cart,very efficiently,keeping you drier. To me,this is the feature that completes the sale for me.
Linda Priest
Linda Priest

January 08, 2021

looking at a 2016 club car precedent 48 volt…about how long do batteries last with normal use and how much do they typically run? Thank you!

Mike
Mike

January 08, 2021

I am surprised that in the “CON” column for Club car there is no mention of the three known pattern failures of the club car precedent?
1. Cantilvered Front Spring design coupled with high leverage king pins results in premature and recurring alignment issues through out the life of club car precedents. 2. MCOR design and placement creates frequent and sporadic driveability issues. 3. Motor speed sensors are known for frequent failures. We always educate our customers on these known issues prior to selling a Club Car Precedent. The Precedent is a great product but will likely incur additional maintenance and repair costs not associated with The use or operation of an EZGO, especially the refresh model TXT Freedoml introduced in 2014.

asma
asma

November 29, 2018

thanks for your informative and CREDIBLE article on golf cart

Julie Wilson
Julie Wilson

August 23, 2018

Zack,
It sounds like it could be the regenerative braking. I would definitely speak with the dealer and find out which adjustments are available. I have experienced this in Club Car Precedent golf carts as well and I feel that it would take a simple adjustment.

Zack
Zack

August 23, 2018

Julie thank you for the quick response. Do you know if the feature I am talking about is exclusive to Club Car Onward? For example when we test drove the Onward, we would be a top speed, and when we removed our foot from the gas pedal, it seemed like the cart would slow itself down automatically, and honestly it was a bit annoying and jerky. So you are saying the Club Car dealer could adjust that feature?

I don’t remember the EZGO S4 having a similar experience, but maybe I just didn’t realize it? Would both have the same function?

Is this regenerative braking?

Thanks Again!
Zack

Julie Wilson
Julie Wilson

August 22, 2018

Hi Zack,
Both of those golf carts are top of the line and you will definitely be happy with either. The Club Car has a programmable motor that can be turned up to higher speeds, so that is something you should speak to your dealer about. I am a fan of Club Cars mostly because the frame is aluminum and rust free. Whether that is an issue for you will depend on the climate where you live.

Zack
Zack

August 22, 2018

I am deciding between the EZGO S4 High Output or the Club Car Onward Lifted. When I drove both it seemed like the Club Car was more luxurious and comfortable, but also a little slower and for some reason it felt like it slowed down way too quickly when you take your foot off the gas. Is that a feature of Club Cars?

We are looking for sporty and quick, so maybe the EZGO is the way to go.

Julie Wilson
Julie Wilson

July 30, 2018

Hi Harvey,
Congrats on your move! I recommend a 48V golf cart if you will be relying on your cart throughout most days. The run time and handling of any aux accessories is handled best by a 48V. You can always upgrade to new batteries if you don’t buy new. Since you will not be in a humid environment, an EZGO will be just fine. Down in the tropics, Club Cars are best because there is no worry of rust.

Harvey
Harvey

July 30, 2018

New to golf carts generically. Will be relocating to Summerlin, Las Vegas next April or so. Initially thinking electric 48 volt or maybe even 36 volt. Possibly would purchase new to get new battery technology but who knows. Heat will be issue in summer months. Will use on paved roads for going to clubhouses and to do very local shipping. Will also be kept garages. Luckily I have good mechanical skills.

If any one has any comments or ideas on this please let me know.

Thanks to all.

Julie Wilson
Julie Wilson

July 11, 2018

Hi Lynn, Without a lift kit, you may be able to increase your wheel and tire size to a 10" wheels with 20" tires, but it depends on your suspension and whether you have a rear seat kit.

Lynn
Lynn

July 11, 2018

I have an old ezgo 1983. What size tire is best for it? Right now it has 18.5X8.50-8

Doc
Doc

June 12, 2018

I just bought a refurbished 2012 Ezgo Freedom TXT. It came with a new body, new oversized mag wheels, and a new battery rack. I live in an area where rust should not be an issue. I keep the cart indoors in my garage that is climate controlled.

the first thing I did was to jack the cart up and spray the entire frame with 2 coats of Rustoleum Tough rust that should keep any rust from happening on the frame and battery rack. I did a thorough inspection before I bought the cart from a certified dealer. The frame was free of any rust. It came with new Trojan batteries as well.

I had the dealer to set the speed to the highest level on the controller. I could not believe how fast the cart goes. I had it clocked at 22 mph. I had seatbelts installed for safety issues. I also installed an analog battery charge indicator so I can keep up with how much charge I have on the batteries. It has reasonable torque that handles the steep hilly terrain of the North Carolina mountains. If you will do as I have done, you can eliminate rust issues from the get go. It has a beautiful red body with a black seat and roof.

It is a handsome cart and one I plan to take care of.

Bill Baptist
Bill Baptist

June 12, 2018

I am looking to get a golf cart for the lake house. Sort of leaning to Club Car but salt air is not an issue so EzGo would probably work. Is there a year model that I should avoid??

Doc
Doc

June 12, 2018

I just bought a completely refurbished 2012 Ezgo Freedom TXT electric cart. The frame was stripped down and painted with an anti corrosion paint. I will keep it indoors in an environment free of moisture. I live in the mountains of North Carolina and only use it for golfing. I will keep it clean after each round. With this care, I hope to avoid rust on the frame. It came with a new body, new brakes, new Trojan batteries. I had the controller bumped to its fastest setting, and it will flat out fly and handles the steep hills with ease. With this care, should i be overly concerned about my frame rusting? I plan to give it TLC as best as I can. What are any tips I can do besides what I am doing to keep it clean and free of moisture?

Mark
Mark

March 09, 2018

Just a few comments, not sure on your intentions with this Blog so please feel free not to post this or edit accordingly but here are some other considerations I think are worth mentioning.
Where most Golf Cart failures occur also depends on type of terrain. You did cover hills but I have also experienced.
EZGO electric brake assemblies failures occur regularly when used in sandy conditions. .
I am not sure where you are buying parts or if I go to the wrong place but OEM gas engine parts are more for EZGO where I shop.
Used EZGOs do not hold their value well. the steel frame rusts quickly and makes the units look old and tired compared to the same age Club Car
I

Susan King
Susan King

February 27, 2018

I’m trying to decide between 2018 EZGO gas, 6 seater or Club Car electric 6 seater. I’m being told the 2018 batteries will last 8 to 10 years. Will be used for camp ground with a few small hills. Maintenance on gas is 6 months according to some and yearly according others… I’m so confused..

Carlos Ortiz
Carlos Ortiz

February 20, 2018

Gas new models
Easy go goes at 15 mph
Club Car goes at 18 mph

That is the main reason I am going to get a Club car
My condominium is far away from the golf course

Tonino Lintas
Tonino Lintas

December 20, 2017

chiedo maggiori informazioni su questo articolo.

Rob
Rob

July 08, 2017

Thank you for the info on EZ Go v Clubcar. Very helpful.

Julie
Julie

May 09, 2017

Dan,
That is a great question. Yamaha has been known as the 3rd wheel for a long time and aftermarket parts have been harder to find and more expensive. However, with the newer DRIVE models, they are being added increasingly to golf course fleets and are gaining more popularity and respect. They also have a steel frame, like EZGO, but Yamaha has added a powder coated finish to slow down the rust. I will work on publishing a new blog post addressing the pros and cons of Yamaha. Thanks for the comment.

Dan
Dan

May 08, 2017

Being new to the electric cart scene, where does Yamaha fit in compared to the other two mentioned in this article? Thanks!

Julie
Julie

March 15, 2017

Hi Bob,

That is a great point. In our experience, neither EZGO nor Club Car golf carts have glaring issues with front ends, etc. Depending on how you drive them and on what type of terrain, the steering may become loose and front ends may require rebuild kits. Kits for both are available. We have found that such issues are a bit easier to repair on a Club Car and complete rebuild kits are pretty easy to find for them.

bob
bob

February 03, 2017

helpfull information,but wanted more pros and cons on front end shocks and steering,anything else that needs to be consider

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