Ford F-150 Raptor R Vs. F-150 Raptor: What's The Difference?

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Here's how the Raptor stacks up to the Raptor R on paper.

It's been around 18 months since Ford confirmed that the F-150 Raptor Rwas coming with V8 power. Now that themonster pickup has been unveiled, Ford finally has a legitimateRam 1500 TRXrival. But perhaps the question isn't whether one should go for the Raptor R or TRX, but rather, is the Raptor R worth over $35,000 more than the already capable Raptor? To help us answer that question, we've broken down all the differences - both big and small - between the Raptor and Raptor R.

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Horsepower: A 250-HP Gulf

This one is obvious. For many, the mere sound of the Raptor R's V8 will be enough reason to choose it over the regular Raptor. The latter has a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. The Raptor R tosses out the V6 for a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 making 700 hp and 640 lb-ft. That's a gulf of 250 hp and 130 lb-ft, which is not exactly minimal. We're familiar with the Raptor R's engine from the Mustang Shelby GT500, and here it has a recalibrated supercharger and a new pulley. This increases low-end and mid-range torque, which benefits off-road scenarios. In addition, air intake volume has been increased by 66% to help it breathe better.

Numbers tell only one part of the story. As the video below demonstrates, the roar of the V8 dramatically enhances the character of the pickup. The regular Raptor's V6 is a powerful engine and sounds good enough, but the Raptor R's V8 blows it away.

2021-2022 Ford F-150 Raptor Grill Ford
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Front View Ford
2021-2022 Ford F-150 Raptor Hood Ford
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Hood Ford

Performance: No Contest

The sheer power advantage in favor of the Raptor R means that the regular Raptor simply won't be able to keep up in a straight line, not that pickups weighing over 5,500 pounds are ideal dragsters. Ford hasn't specified 0-60 times for the Raptor R, but it should be able to accomplish the task in comfortably under five seconds. We already know that the V6 Raptor can do the same in about 5.5 seconds, which is more than fast enough for a full-size truck. The Raptor's best chance of chasing down the Raptor R is to hope that the V8 drains its tank so that the presumably more efficient EcoBoost V6 has half a chance.

2021-2022 Ford F-150 Raptor Front Angle View Ford
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Front-End View Ford
2021-2022 Ford F-150 Raptor Rear Angle View Ford
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor View Out Back Ford

Towing And Payloads: A Closer Call

As fast as these trucks are, the Raptor R's extra grunt will rarely be needed for day-to-day use. More importantly, both pickups will need to put in a strong showing when it comes to towing or carrying heavy loads in the bed. The maximum payload capacity for both is 1,400 lbs, so they're evenly matched here. In terms of conventional towing, the Raptor maxes out at 8,200 lbs and the Raptor R can manage 500 lbs more at 8,700 lbs. In this area, the Raptor isn't embarrassed by its angrier sibling.

2021-2022 Ford F-150 Raptor Rear Wheel Arch Ford
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Logo Ford

Off-Roading: Two Of The Best

Both Raptors are equipped to withstand some serious abuse. Each has front and rear FOX Racing shocks with electronically controlled continuously variable compression damping. Ford says that the FOX Live Valve shocks have been uniquely tuned to take advantage of the more powerful Raptor R's V8. Each has a five-link rear suspension, but the Raptor R's front axle has a stronger carrier casing and an aluminum-ribbed structural cover that can withstand the V8's higher torque.

As standard, theF-150 Raptorrides on 35-inch tires whereas the Raptor R gets 37s by default - these larger tires are optional on the base Raptor. Front/rear suspension travel is 14/15 inches respectively for the Raptor and 13/14.1 inches for the R. Those 37-inch tires do mean that the Raptor R has a wider turning circle of 50 feet, up from the Raptor's 48 feet.

2021-2022 Ford F-150 Raptor Fly Driving Ford
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Front View Driving Ford
2021-2022 Ford F-150 Raptor Rear Perspective Driving Ford
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Side Perspective Driving Ford

13.1英寸的间隙给猛禽Rthe edge, 1.1 inches more than the standard Raptor. Likewise, approach/departure/breakover angles of 33.1/24.9/24.4 degrees respectively for the Raptor R are better than the Raptor's 31/23.9/22.7-degree angles.

The Raptor R's changes are primarily to compensate for its extra power and torque, but when the standard Raptor is properly equipped, both can jump over sand dunes and clamber over rocks better than almost everything else. But you'll likely enjoy these antics much more when accompanied by the sound of that V8.

Dimensions: A Lot Of Truck

Both Raptors are only available in the SuperCrew format so share a 145.4-inch wheelbase, a 232.6-inch length, and an overall width of 96 inches. There are, however, a few differences. With its fatter rubber, the Raptor R is 0.8 inches taller at 80.6 inches. Its body is a fraction wider without the mirrors, and it has a wider front track (74.3 inches vs 74 inches) and rear track (73.9 inches vs 73.6 inches). Both trucks can accommodate the same volume of cargo at 52.8 cubic feet.

2021-2022 Ford F-150 Raptor Suspension Ford
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Suspension System Ford

Value: A Bronco-Sized Price Gap

At $109,145, including destination, the new Raptor R is a staggering $36,795 more expensive than the regular Raptor. With the V6, the Raptor costs $72,350, including destination. That $36,796 could buy you a Bronco Big Bend on its own.

That price difference is substantial and the bulk of it goes towards the Raptor R's sensational V8. It's faster than the regular Raptor, sounds better, and looks a bit meaner. It's also more capable as standard with the fatter rubber, but the differences are negligible in some instances.

如果钱不是问题,你想要hottest F-150 you can buy, the Raptor R is it. But the standard Raptor has not by any means been rendered irrelevant.

2021-2022 Ford F-150 Raptor Central Console Ford
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Interior Overview Ford
2021-2022 Ford F-150 Raptor Seat Details Ford
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Seat Details Ford

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2021-2022 Ford F-150 Raptor Hood
2021-2022 Ford F-150 Raptor Front View Driving
2021-2022 Ford F-150 Raptor Rear View
2021-2022 Ford F-150 Raptor Insignia
2021-2022 Ford F-150 Raptor Rear Angle View
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