Need advice on which machine to get

[Z_28]

hey yall,
Im currently in the market for a new atv. I have a 99 foreman 450 right now, but i want something faster and more nimble to keep up with my friends, i am also considering racing. I have rode a few 450's before, but never like i want to ride them because they have belonged to my friends, i have also rode a YFZ 450 and some kinda kawasaki. Im a college student with a part time job so im on a tight budget and will be buying used. After some research i found i can find the 05 450's from about $3500 to $6500. However i can find the 400ex's from about $1600 to $3000. My question is would it be better for me as a unexperienced rider to go with the 400? How big is the power difference between the 400 and the 450? Is there any physical size difference between the two ( im not the smallest guy in the world )? would i have as much fun on the 400? Thanks for any and all help guys!

[Steve86trx250R]

Well I find decent to nice 450's here in Missouri all the time for 2500-3500 and 400's usually 1500-2500 you will be satisfied with either one I would say but to me it would be worth the difference to go with a 450 but they're is a ton of aftermarket parts for either machine so you can't go wrong either way