Not Only in Jurassic Park: Comparing the Ford F-150 & Bronco Raptor

What images come to mind when someone uses the term “raptor?” If you enjoy watching movies, you might first think of several suspenseful scenes that took place in Jurassic Park. You might think of an age when dinosaurs roamed the earth and the continent known as Pangea shook under the weight of these giant reptiles. Of course, if you’re more of a devotee of Ford than you are of natural history or blockbuster cinema, the term “raptor” takes on an entirely different meaning, one that conjures up thoughts of high performance and off-road excellence. While off-roading isn’t for everyone, those who travel upon the path less traveled look at the endeavor as not just a hobby but a way of life. While some visit their local Crested Butte Ford dealer for practicality, you’re there for the performance. Both the F-150 and Bronco have their respective Raptor models, and we’re about to take a closer look at why there’s simply nothing that compares to either one.

Excellence of Execution: The Engines

One of the aspects of off-roading is that you’re going against the typical conventions of what normal people use their vehicles for. For the person who challenges the obstacles of nature and has a well-developed sense of adventure, engines that provide stellar performance are an absolute necessity. Both the Bronco and F-150 Raptor are equipped with engines built for high performance and conquering the harshest landscapes.

The F-150 Raptor is equipped with one of Ford’s most versatile engines, the EcoBoost 3.5L turbocharged V-6. A part of the Ford family for well over a decade, making its initial debut in 2010, the list of vehicles that the EcoBoost has powered reads like a “who’s who” of high-performance vehicles. The Ford Expedition and Explorer have both benefited from its services, and both the Lincoln Navigator and MKT have as well. More than just consumers have been able to utilize Ford’s technology, as it’s also served in a capacity with law enforcement in the form of police interceptors.

It’s been aligned with the F-150 Raptor since 2017, and the specifications it boasts are indeed impressive. Attached to a ten-speed automatic transmission, the Raptor generates a horsepower output of 450 and 510 lb.-ft of torque. Going from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds, there’s no doubt that the finish line will be closer than it’s ever been before.

As for the Ford Bronco Raptor, performance is gifted by the presence of the 3.0L EcoBoost turbocharged V6. Known to many as the “Vulcan,” the engine gives the Bronco Raptor a horsepower output of 400 and can generate 430 lb.-ft of torque. Much like the F-150 Raptor, this engine is used in conjunction with a ten-speed automatic transmission and 4WD drivetrain.

While both vehicles are formulated for just about any off-road scenario, they also have the capabilities that Ford has always bestowed upon its fleet. The F-150 Raptor possesses a towing capacity of 8,200 lbs., while the Bronco Raptor can easily pull 4,500 lbs. with little trouble. This equates to the ability to take it all with you while you take it all on.

Advantages for the Off-Roader

While both Raptor models have more than effective engines to propel you across dunes or any other landscape you want to conquer, the advantages don’t stop there. When it was announced that the Bronco would be coming back after several years, a whole new legion of devotees sprang up, while those nostalgic for their old models salivated at the prospect of getting away from civilization to embrace frontiers often left unexplored.

For those who want to take advantage of the Bronco’s off-road capabilities, the Raptor edition is what you’ve been waiting for. With a specially designed suspension with Fox brand shocks and 37” tires, the Bronco Raptor might just set a new standard for off-road performance that we haven’t seen or experienced before.

While the Bronco Raptor is the new cowboy on the range, this is certainly not the first rodeo for the F-150 Raptor, which has proved its worth several times before. Like the Bronco, the F-150 Raptor comes with Fox brand shocks and a suspension formulated for the dunes, desert, and every other landscape that few dare travel. One of the best advantages that the F-150 Raptor offers is a ground clearance of over 13” when properly equipped with the available 37” tires. An electronic rear differential and an advanced suspension dampening system come standard, meaning that technology lends a hand to the primal need to play in the dirt.

Features not limited to Off-Roading

Of course, there’s much more to the Bronco and F-150 Raptor editions than high octane performance and impressive off-road capabilities. Inside and out, Ford has brought their attention to the comfort and safety of the adventurer behind the wheel. While we use the phrase “behind the wheel,” we only use this as a euphemism to describe the operator of the vehicle. While the interior of the Bronco is similar to its non-raptor counterpart, an 12″ infotainment screen is a luxury item we couldn’t help but feel spoiled by. As for the F-150 Raptor, being inside the cabin is more akin to being in a cockpit of a starfighter than simply “behind the wheel.”

While the F-150 certainly makes an intimidating impression on anyone who views its exterior, the inside is refined, posh, and provides a level of comfort to keep you squeaky clean, even if your truck isn’t. Like the Bronco, the centerpiece that anchors the luxurious interior is a 12” infotainment screen. For those who enjoy holding communion with their inner metal-head, an available 18-speaker stereo system that’s more than capable of masking the sounds of you crashing through the dunes and mud that you’re in the process of taming.

Naturally, Ford has always placed a considerable amount of emphasis on keeping the drivers who depend on them as safe as possible. The Bronco Raptor was recently awarded Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, which will surely come as a sigh of relief for many. As we all know, Off-roading is enjoyable but can present a hazard or two, as you’re taking on the treacherous and vengeful force known as mother nature. To this end, forward collision warning and automated emergency braking both come standard. Because while Ford wants you to have an adventure unlike any other, they want to keep you safe so you can go on many more.

Harnessing the Raptor and Roam the Earth

With life being as unpredictable and tumultuous as it can be, seizing the opportunity to explore new roads, landscapes and possibilities are more appealing than it’s ever been. Whether you’re a member of team Bronco or team F-150, crashing through the boundaries that feel confining at the time is possible in the Raptor edition of both. Between high-octane performance, impressive engineering, and an additional focus on comfort and safety, Ford once again provides the perfect off-roading experience for the thousands of drivers who depend upon them. We welcome you to visit us here at The Faricy Boys Automotive and experience the Raptor models for yourself.