Are you planning on purchasing a Ford truck and you consider choosing between the F 150 vs Raptor? Well, if that is the case, then you are at the right place because there will be a lot to cover on this topic where we are going to learn everything you need to know when it comes to the Raptor.
Performing the proper research before you decide on spending a ton of money on a truck like the Raptor should be one of your top priorities. Why I’m saying this? Well, I’m saying this because it is true.
This is not your ordinary F-150 pickup truck. The Raptor is a high-performance truck and these trucks cost an arm and a leg to purchase new and also cost an arm and a leg to fix. So, you don’t want to get a basket case full of problems. You want a good and reliable truck after all to meet all your demands when it comes to the use that you want to see from it. But you shouldn’t worry because we are going to help you out when it comes to understanding more about the Raptor.
But first, we are going to learn what is the F-150 and why this truck is so legendary. Then we will cover everything about the last generation of the F-150 Raptor and learn its specs. We will cover the engines, transmissions, horsepower, towing ratings, and basically everything you need to know when it comes to these vehicles. And then we will compare F 150 vs Raptor. So, if you want to learn more, follow along till the end.
What Is The F-150
Now before we start discussing the F 150 vs Raptor, let’s take a look at the F-150 first. What is the F-150? Let’s answer this question. Why is this necessary? Well, not a lot of people who are reading this article are into cars and we have to introduce them to the topic. So, defining what is an F-150, is pretty much essential. So, if you want to learn more, follow along because it will be a fun read.
As probably most of you know, the F-150 is a light-duty truck. A truck that changed the US automotive industry. And I’m serious about this. The F-150 is the best-selling vehicle in the US for 45 years.
Which vehicle can compete with these numbers? I personally cannot recall any type of vehicle except the F-150 to achieve such milestones which are record-breaking.
Nevertheless, the F-150 is a full-size light-duty truck. But what does all this means? Well, you have heavy-duty and light-duty trucks. Heavy duty trucks are trucks that are intended for commercial use only. While light duty trucks are intended for personal use.
A light-duty truck can be used for a ton of things. And this is why this segment grew so much during the last 70 years since the introduction of the first truck in the F-Series. And what is interesting to know is that some of these trucks are still used to this day.
People just love to restore them and do resto-mod projects and bring them back to life. And what is good is that they look spectacular even after so many years. Especially with that patina on them. But what about the F 150 vs Raptor? More on that in a bit.
Why Does The F-150 Has A Legendary Status
Now before we start discussing more on the F 150 vs Raptor, let’s take a look at why these F-150 trucks got this legendary status. What makes them so special? Let’s elaborate.
The first thing that makes an F-150 one of the hottest trucks that you can buy is thanks to its reliability. As you probably know, if you use something for work use on a farm, or for a business, you need something reliable.
You need something that doesn’t break down often and something that will last for many years. And when it comes to this aspect, the F-150 basically exceeds everything out there. This truck is really something that you can depend on and not worry that it will break down very often unless you push it to the absolute limits.
The second pro of the F-150 and why it became so popular is the affordability. Back in the day, trucks were really cheap and affordable. It is not like today when you have $80,000 trucks fully loaded with all the luxury in the world.
Back in the day, these trucks implemented only the essentials. And even today if you want an F-150 with only the essentials, you can get it for a really good deal in comparison to other trucks available on the market.
Also, these trucks are fairly cheap to maintain. They do not have a lot of expensive parts that cost an arm and a leg to replace as some European car brands do. So, finding parts and replacing them is really easy since there are millions of these trucks and parts are everywhere readily available. But what about the F 150 vs Raptor? More on that in the following chapters.
What Is A Raptor
Now before we start learning the F 150 vs Raptor difference, let’s learn what is a Raptor in general. So, what is a raptor?
Well, according to the dictionary, the contemporary meaning of the Raptor is that this is a word used to define carnivorous birds. Such as a hawk, an eagle, a vulture, or an owl.
But the root of the word in the etymological sense is a family of predatory dinosaurs. These were small to medium size dinosaurs that were carnivorous and predatory in their nature. Examples of these dinosaurs were the Velociraptor and the Deinonychus.
So, how does the Raptor word come into the automotive industry? Well, you know Ford and all the American brands, want to Christen their high-performance vehicles after some predatory creature. So, you will come across the Hellcat, TRX, and Raptor. There are other examples, but these are the most recent ones.
And this is how the Raptor was born. Since the term raptor reminds us of something aggressive and predatory in nature. Also, sounds really cool. So, Ford decided to give the Raptor name to their high-performance truck in the F-150 lineup.
So, if F 150 vs Raptor confuses you, you can think like this. F-150 equals normal pickup truck, Raptor equals high-performance Baja racing truck that is designed to tackle anything off-road and also to look quite a lot cooler compared to the standard truck in the process.
But the Raptor is so much more than this. This is why we create a whole article on it to deliver you the answers to your questions and help you learn more about it. This is why in the following chapters, we are going to cover everything when it comes to the specs of this incredible machine.
Ford Raptor Specs
Now as we learned the difference between F 150 vs Raptor, let’s take a look a the specs of the Raptor. We will not stick to the first generation since these trucks are getting pretty old. We will primarily focus on the present second generation as well as we will add some comments on the future third generation of this magnificent truck.
The second generation of the Raptor is based on the thirteenth generation of the F-150. Yes, the F-150 has thirteen generations. And if you didn’t know, the third generation that is in production right now is based on the fourteenth generation of the F-150.
What is interesting to add is that these two trucks are pretty much similar and do not have any huge difference in terms of size. So, this is why we cover both generations at once. The main difference between the two is the engine options and some exterior design cues that make them differentiate from one another. But you shouldn’t worry because we are going to cover everything.
What is important to note is that the second generation was introduced in 2017 and was in production till 2020. From 2021 we have the new Raptor also known as the third generation Raptor. This truck is a small leap from the previous generation.
But what is interesting to know is that this model will carry a new powerplant. A very famous powerplant that most of us truck guys wanted. But more on that, we are going to cover later on. Let’s first cover more on the specs when it comes to F 150 vs Raptor.
F 150 VS Raptor #1: Dimensions And Weight
We learned the difference between F 150 vs Raptor and we think that now it is time to discuss more about the specs in which the Raptor comes in.
What is worth noting is that this model comes in two versions. A SuperCab and a SuperCrew with 4-doors. And we personally think that the SuperCrew cab fits the best on this truck for many reasons but the main one is that it is physically more pleasing to look at on a full 4-door Raptor than on a standard extended cab Raptor.
Nevertheless, let’s cover some of the specs. The wheelbase on the SuperCab is 134 inches. While the SuperCrew has a wheelbase of 146 inches. The length of the SuperCab is about 220 inches and the SuperCrew is 231.9 inches.
The truck is 86.3 inches wide and 78.5 inches tall. This is the reason why the Raptor has these distinguishing yellow lights on top of the front grille. It is a regulation that every taller vehicle should have these lights as a standard.
The weight of the SuperCab is 5.525lbs, while on the SuperCrew it is 5,697lbs. Overall, pretty light for a truck. Now let’s move on and cover the F 150 vs Raptor in terms of engines and transmissions.
F 150 VS Raptor #2: Engine And Transmissions
Now as we cleared the difference between the F 150 vs Raptor and learned how these two trucks are really different. Now we can cover some of the specs and learn about the engines and transmissions used on this truck.
The engine on the second generation Raptor was the D35 engine. What is worth noting is that this engine is also used on the present generation of the Raptor as well.
This engine is also known better as the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost. The engine is basically a turbocharged V6 that is creating decent power. More on the horsepower numbers we are going to explain later on.
What now is important to know is that there will be something new in this segment. And that thing will be really special.
Remember that RAM has released their 700hp TRX with the Hellcat engine a year ago? Well, this provoked Ford a little bit. All those Easter eggs on the TRX and how a T-Rex eats raptors have made Ford reconsider installing something really powerful under the hood of the F-150.
And that is the 5.2L V8 Predator engine used on the Shelby GT500. This is a new engine that was introduced a few years back and rumor says that Ford is going to install this incredible engine in the Raptor, in order to make a proper competitor for the TRX. But how much horsepower this engine will make? More on that later.
What is important for you to know is that both of these engines are connected to a really good transmission that delivers good fuel economy. More precisely the transmission used on the Raptor is the Ford 10-speed 10R80 transmission which is really reliable.
F 150 VS Raptor #3: Ford Raptor Horsepower
Now since we covered the difference between F 150 vs Raptor, let’s cover more on the power numbers that this Raptor makes. How much horsepower can you expect this model to make? Let’s learn more about it.
The smaller 3.5L V6 engine is producing healthy numbers. Even though it is rather small in displacement, it is turbocharged. And this makes it a really good performer overall. The 3.5L is producing 450hp and 510lb-ft of torque. But what is the Ford Raptor 0-60? More on that we will cover in a bit. Let’s first learn about the Predator.
The Predator engine on the other hand is a different kind of beast. As they would say, there is no replacement for displacement. And this statement is somewhat correct when you look at the numbers that this engine is producing.
This 5.2L V8 Predator engine is supercharged. There is a big blower on top of it that allows it to develop 700hp and 640lb-ft of torque. Strong numbers that will make the Raptor very quick off the line. But how fast it will be? Let’s learn more on that next before we cover the Ford F 150 vs Raptor and see which one will be the best for you.
F 150 VS Raptor #4: Ford Raptor 0-60
Now let’s discuss 0-60 times. After all, besides learning the difference between F 150 vs Raptor, this is why you are here. So, what is the 0-60 time for this truck?
The Ford Raptor 0-60 time for the 3.5L V6 version is 5.8 seconds. Quite modest if you are asking me. Nowhere close to the numbers that the RAM TRX is pumping. And the TRX is accelerating from 0-60 in about 3.7 seconds.
So, what can we expect from the new Raptor with the Predator engine? Well, the least that we can expect is 3.8 seconds. It must be quicker than the TRX. I strongly believe that Ford will make it really quick. Still, we can only make assumptions of what numbers it could be producing but this is the most common prediction, 3.7 seconds. Now let’s move on to other topics when it comes to the F 150 vs Raptor.
F 150 VS Raptor #5: Ford Raptor Gas Mileage
So, we learned the differences between F 150 vs Raptor, now let’s take a look at the gas mileage of the Raptor.
For now, we only have the numbers that the 3.5L V6 is making. And frankly, these numbers for a truck are pretty decent. It gets 18 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined. Perfect for a pickup. It could be better. But it also could be a lot worse if you look at the fuel economy on other competitor trucks.
For the 5.2L V8, there are still no data available. But we strongly assume that the overall combined fuel economy will be in the low tens. Between 12 and 14 mpg probably. Or even worse if you push it hard to the limit. But this is expected for an engine of this displacement. But what about the towing capacity when it comes to the F 150 vs Raptor? More on that next.
F 150 VS Raptor #6: Ford Raptor Towing Capacity
Now since we cleared the difference between F 150 vs Raptor, let’s discuss more about the towing capacity of the Raptor.
When it comes to towing, it is worth saying that this truck has a modest towing ability. The numbers for the 2022 version are only 8,200lbs. So, why is this the case?
Well, this is mainly the case because this truck is performance oriented. It is not intended to tow or carry a big load in the rear.
If you want an F-150 that can tow, you can check the PowerBoost. This truck carries the same engine as the Raptor but with a hybrid motor. So, it is a much better performer when it comes to the towing aspect. More precisely, this model can tow up to 12,700lbs. Which is a really good number. So, when it comes to the F 150 vs Raptor, the standard F-150 wins here by a big margin.
F 150 VS Raptor #7: Ford Raptor Safety
We compared the F 150 vs Raptor when it comes to towing. Now let’s see what about the safety of the Raptor. How safe this model actually is?
The 2021 model of the Raptor was tested by the NHTSA. It performed well for a truck, getting 5 stars of 5 possible stars. Which is excellent. Truck safety has greatly improved in the last few years.
Also, the standard F-150 model was tested by the IIHS and got good scores on most of their tests as well. Overall, the new Raptor is a big leap ahead in comparison to the first generation of the model.
F 150 VS Raptor #8: Ford Raptor MSRP
So, we compared the F 150 vs Raptor in some aspects. But what about the price. How expensive the Raptor really is?
The MSRP for the Raptor starts at $72,000. But this price is for the standard 3.5V6 EcoBoost engine.
The 5.2L Predator on the other hand will be not as cheap as this. This model is expected to cost $109,000. And this is among the most expensive trucks ever produced.
Ford F-150 and Raptor: Differences You Need to Know
- The Ford F-series is the preferred choice for pickup enthusiasts in America, with the F-150 hailed as the best-selling car model in the U.S. for June 2022 and Ford’s dominance in the segment predicted to continue.
- The Ford F-series includes multiple models and engine options, such as the F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck, which increases its appeal among pickup enthusiasts.
- The Ford F-150 and Raptor have multiple engine options, with the Raptor having a much more powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 diesel engine with a 10-speed auto transmission, while the F-150 has a relatively smaller yet decently powerful 2.7-liter turbocharged diesel engine also arranged in a V6 configuration.
- The F-150 outputs a minimum of 290 horsepower, with the 5.0-liter version producing 400 horsepower, while the Raptor has a higher power throughput of 450 horsepower with the base trim, and the Raptor R is expected to generate 760 horsepower.
- The Ford Raptor gets all-wheel-drive as standard, while the F-150 has the option to choose between rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive options with any of the mentioned variants.
- The F-150 has better capabilities in terms of towing and lugging payload, with the trunk able to hold between 1,840 and 3,250 pounds based on the engine variant, while it can tow a trailer weighing between 12,000 and 14,000 pounds.
- The Raptor has a lower payload capacity of 1,400 pounds and has a tow rating of 8,200 pounds, making it relatively less appealing for carrying or pulling heavy objects.
- The 2.7-liter engine variant of the Ford F-150 is estimated to let you drive roughly 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway, while the Raptor will guzzle down fuel much faster, with the 3.5-liter variant having a fuel economy of 15mpg in the city, according to EPA.
- The starting price for the Ford F-150 is $32,000 for the lowest XL trim, while the Platinum can go as high as $64,000, and the Raptor’s price is $72,000.
- The Ford Raptor has a more appealing design with sharper headlamps and a bolder front grille and is much more powerful, while the Ford F-150 is more suitable for towing and lugging payload and has a better fuel economy, making it a more affordable option.
Conclusion
In this article, we have covered quite a bit when it comes to the Ford Raptor. First, we covered more about the F-Series and learned why it is so popular. Then we learned the difference when it comes to F 150 vs Raptor.
After that, we covered all of the specs of the Ford Raptor. Starting from the dimensions, engines and transmissions, safety, pricing, and a lot more.
F.A.Q
Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
When Did The Ford Raptor Come Out
The first Raptor was released in 2009 and was in production till 2014. Then after three years of hiatus, the Raptor returned to the market in 2017 with the second generation. And the third generation was released in 2021.
How Much Is A Ford Raptor
The Ford Raptor is probably one of the most expensive trucks. It comes at a cost of $72,000. And this is the cost before options. The new 5.2L V8 Raptor is expected to cost $109,000.
How Much Is A F150
The cheapest F-150 is about $29,500. This is a regular cab truck with two doors. The most basic version that you can actually get. If you want a good SuperCab, you can expect to pay at least $35,000.
Why Are Ford Raptors So Expensive
They are expensive because they implement a ton of technology. More precisely racing tech. They have coil spring suspension that is intended to jump over dunes. Also, there are high-performance engines are used. All this as well as the name itself is boosting the price of the Raptor.
How Fast Is The Ford Raptor
The Raptor is not a speed demon. It only gets about 120 mph. But considering that this is a truck, this is a really good number.
How Wide Is A Ford Raptor
The Raptor is wider than the standard F-150. The Raptor is 86.3 inches wide. The standard F-150 on the other hand is only 79.9 inches.
