GEMe4vsClub CarOnward 4 Passenger
Complete head-to-head comparison. Which model is right for you?
Overall Winner: Club Car Onward 4 Passenger
Club Car Onward 4 Passenger wins for most buyers with its rust-proof aluminum frame, lower price, and multiple powertrain options. GEM e4 wins for buyers who need the highest safety standards and true LSV certification with features like an Occupant Protection System, 72V architecture, and 106-mile range. The GEM costs nearly $7,000 more but delivers a fundamentally different vehicle class with automotive-grade safety that exceeds any golf cart.
Quick Comparison
Key differences at a glance
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Detailed comparison across all important factors
| Category | GEM e4 | Club Car Onward 4 Passenger | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Standards | 10/10 Federally certified LSV with Occupant Protection System (OPS) and roof crush certification. Safety glass windshield, three-point seat belts, hydraulic disc brakes, automotive-grade construction. | 6/10 LED lighting, seatbelts available, Monsoon Canopy top. Well-built but designed as a golf cart, not an automotive-grade LSV. | GEM e4 |
| Range & Battery | 10/10 72V system delivering up to 106 miles of range. Compatible with public EV charging stations. Optional solar panel charging. | 6/10 Range varies by powertrain. Lead-acid, lithium-ion, or gas options. Gas provides unlimited range; electric varies by battery choice. | GEM e4 |
| Frame & Build Quality | 8/10 Automotive-grade construction optimized for efficiency. Solid build quality from Polaris. Durable but not rust-proof aluminum. | 10/10 AlumiCore ladder-style aluminum box beam frame. Completely rust-proof and lightweight. Industry-leading frame design with excellent resale value. | Club Car Onward 4 Passenger |
| Powertrain Flexibility | 5/10 Electric only with 72V system. No gas option. Excellent for electric-only buyers but no alternative powertrain. | 10/10 Gas, electric (lead-acid), and lithium-ion options. Maximum flexibility for different needs and budgets. | Club Car Onward 4 Passenger |
| Street-Legal Readiness | 10/10 Fully street-legal out of the box on roads 35 mph or less. Complete DOT safety package, safety glass windshield, and LSV certification included. | 5/10 Standard 19 mph golf cart configuration. Requires aftermarket upgrades for street-legal use including speed controller and DOT components. | GEM e4 |
| Price & Value | 5/10 Starts at $17,490. Premium pricing reflects automotive-grade safety and 72V system. A different vehicle class than most golf carts. | 10/10 Starts at $10,722 with rust-proof aluminum frame. Multiple configurations and price points. Excellent long-term resale value. | Club Car Onward 4 Passenger |
| Resale Value | 7/10 GEM holds value well within the LSV market. Polaris backing helps. Smaller used market compared to golf carts. | 10/10 Industry-leading resale value driven by aluminum frame longevity and Big 3 brand prestige. Largest used market of any golf cart brand. | Club Car Onward 4 Passenger |
Safety Standards
GEM e4Federally certified LSV with Occupant Protection System (OPS) and roof crush certification. Safety glass windshield, three-point seat belts, hydraulic disc brakes, automotive-grade construction.
LED lighting, seatbelts available, Monsoon Canopy top. Well-built but designed as a golf cart, not an automotive-grade LSV.
Range & Battery
GEM e472V system delivering up to 106 miles of range. Compatible with public EV charging stations. Optional solar panel charging.
Range varies by powertrain. Lead-acid, lithium-ion, or gas options. Gas provides unlimited range; electric varies by battery choice.
Frame & Build Quality
Club Car Onward 4 PassengerAutomotive-grade construction optimized for efficiency. Solid build quality from Polaris. Durable but not rust-proof aluminum.
AlumiCore ladder-style aluminum box beam frame. Completely rust-proof and lightweight. Industry-leading frame design with excellent resale value.
Powertrain Flexibility
Club Car Onward 4 PassengerElectric only with 72V system. No gas option. Excellent for electric-only buyers but no alternative powertrain.
Gas, electric (lead-acid), and lithium-ion options. Maximum flexibility for different needs and budgets.
Street-Legal Readiness
GEM e4Fully street-legal out of the box on roads 35 mph or less. Complete DOT safety package, safety glass windshield, and LSV certification included.
Standard 19 mph golf cart configuration. Requires aftermarket upgrades for street-legal use including speed controller and DOT components.
Price & Value
Club Car Onward 4 PassengerStarts at $17,490. Premium pricing reflects automotive-grade safety and 72V system. A different vehicle class than most golf carts.
Starts at $10,722 with rust-proof aluminum frame. Multiple configurations and price points. Excellent long-term resale value.
Resale Value
Club Car Onward 4 PassengerGEM holds value well within the LSV market. Polaris backing helps. Smaller used market compared to golf carts.
Industry-leading resale value driven by aluminum frame longevity and Big 3 brand prestige. Largest used market of any golf cart brand.
Which Should You Buy?
Recommendations based on your priorities
e4
Choose if you...
- 1Automotive-grade safety (OPS certification) is your top priority
- 2You need 100+ miles of electric range
- 3Street-legal LSV certification out of the box is essential
- 4Public EV charging station compatibility matters
- 5You want optional hard doors and solar panel charging
Onward 4 Passenger
Choose if you...
- 1Rust-proof aluminum frame is a top priority
- 2Lower price with flexible powertrain options matters
- 3Industry-leading resale value is important
- 4You want gas, electric, or lithium choices
- 5You plan to customize with extensive aftermarket accessories
Similar Models to Consider
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e4 vs Onward 4 Passenger FAQs
Common questions about these two models
Is a GEM really different from a golf cart?
Why is the GEM e4 so much more expensive?
Can I make a Club Car Onward as safe as a GEM?
Which is better for a gated community?
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