What happens when two of the most powerful trucks face off? Recently, the Ram 1500 TRX and Ford F-150 Raptor R went head-to-head in an epic struggle.
When will pickup trucks finally reach their peak power and capability levels? This is an age-old question with the answer continually moving higher and higher. Currently, the two most powerful half-ton pickup trucks are the Ford F-150 Raptor R, and the Ram 1500 TRX. These two trucks rock the off-road world like none before them, but which one wins when they go against each other in challenges of strength and speed.
How much power do these two trucks offer?
These hardcore pickups are made for some fun in the sun, racing fast across the desert sand where they can show off the hardcore features included. Both trucks top the power spectrum with at least 700 horsepower, making them two of the most powerful half-ton trucks ever made. The Ford makes use of a 5.2-liter supercharged Coyote V8 engine that delivers exactly 700 horsepower, while the Ram receives power from the 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine from the Dodge Hellcat lineup. This incredible engine gives the Ram 702 horsepower, which only barely beats the Ford.
Torque takes the stage in a tug-of-war
In addition to the incredible horsepower figures, both trucks have torque to handle towing and pulling. To see which of these trucks had more pulling power, they were put up against each other in a tug-of-war. The Ram 1500 TRX and Ford F-150 Raptor R have the exact same torque figure at 650 lb-ft, but the Ford is much lighter, which could be why the Ram beat the Ford easily in several rounds of the tug-of-war test. This result was a little embarrassing for the Raptor R, but it has something else going for it.
Which hardcore off-road truck finished a quarter-mile sprint faster?
The lighter overall weight of the Raptor R comes into play again in the sprint race. This time, it makes a difference and enables the Ford truck to be much faster in the quarter-mile sprint than the Ram. In addition to being several hundred pounds lighter than the Ram truck, the Ford has a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the Ram has an 8-speed automatic transmission. This difference shows up during the sprint, where the Raptor R finished the quarter-mile with a 12.5-second time at 108 mph, while the TRX took much longer with a time of 15.5 seconds at 88 mph.
What does the TRX bring to 2024?
Ram has announced the 1500 TRX will end production after the 2024 model year. This final-year model includes a Final Edition version, which will be limited to 4,000 units. This new Final Edition model will be available in three exclusive colors: Delmonico Red, Night Edge Blue, and Harvest Sunrise. This special model rides on a set of Satin Titanium beadlock-capable wheels, giving this truck an excellent look on the outside. Going inside, we see Patina contrast stitching with TRX embroidered on the interior and the words Final Edition in the gauge cluster. This Final Edition model is a fitting sendoff for the TRX.
Should the Raptor R be your choice in 2024?
Ford hasn’t announced an end to the F-150 Raptor R, but this truck should become a more powerful version of what it already is. In addition to the added power, this new version of the top-end Ford truck will enjoy some upgraded equipment. Ford gives the new Raptor R a new set of Fox Dual Live Valve shocks that evolved with the Raptor. When this truck has a set of 37-inch tires, it also receives modified bumper caps that increase its capability. You’ll also see an optional LED light bar that fits on the bumper to provide better visibility at night. Ford adds a new Shelter Green color to the mix, making it easy to have a color that blends in with the environment when the Raptor R is taken to the wilderness.
Which high-powered truck is better?
Where are you going, and what do you need while there? When you answer this question, you’ll know which of the two high-powered trucks is better for your adventures. The Ford F-150 Raptor R is faster than the Ram 1500 TRX, which makes the Ford better for high-speed desert driving. On the other hand, the Ram has better towing power and low-end pull, which is great for taking a trailer to your destination and rolling slowly through the mud or soft sand.
Will you drive the Ram 1500 TRX or the Ford F-150 Raptor R? Both trucks turn heads and make you the talk of your neighborhood.
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