Raptor vs Power Wagon

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

The Power Wagon, of course. Thank God I can't afford it...the MDR would hunt me down like Christine.

[datrupr]

I duuno. If you were to ask me, I would take the Power Wagon with the Raptor body. I love the looks of the Raptor.

[crawler#976]

Raptor Specs:

Wheelbase (in): 133.1
Length (in): 222.1
Width (in): 86.6
Height (in): 78.4
Curb Weight (lb): 5,888
Ground clearance f/r (in): 11.2
Approach (deg): 29.8
Departure (deg): 26.1
Breakover (deg): 20.8
Max Towing capacity (lb): 6,000
Fuel capacity (gal): 26.0
HP: 320
Torque: 390

'09 Power Wagon Specs:

Wheelbase: 140.5"
Length: 227.7"
Width: 79.8"
Height: 80.6"
Curb Weight: 6,081 lbs
Front Axle Ground Clearance: 8.4"
Rear Axle Ground Clearance: 8.3"
Approach Angle: 35°
Breakover Angle: 25.5°
Departure Angle: 26.5°
Towing capacity: 10,500 pound
Payload capacity: 2200 pounds
Fuel capacity (gal): 34.0
HP: 383
Torque: 404


'10 Power Wagon changes from above:

Wheelbase 148.9
Overall Length 237.4
Overall Height 80.7

____________________________

As a slightly biased owner of a an '09 Power Wagon, I'm not interested in the Raptor for a couple reasons.

First and foremost it's too wide. That extra 6.5" of width will be a real problem. It won't fit on trails I've been thru. No way, no how. I've already pinstripped the heck outta my truck, squeeeeeeeeeked it thru trees and bushes the Raptor won't physically get thru. Ol' Cactus Red looks pretty nice until you get close to it and see all the heavy scratches in it.

Secondly, the 05 to 09 PW is a better trail truck, work truck, tow truck, and dare I say it, much more durable truck than the Raptor. The PW uses 1 ton axles under a 3/4T rated truck. The frame is massive, and will hold up better over years of abuse and use. The stock motor has more power and torque - probably won't get better mileage than a Raptor tho. Throw in the rest of the PW package, and while it may not go as fast as a Raptor, it will go anywhere a Raptor can. Can't say the same thing in reverse tho.

Will the Raptor ride better? Yes. Will a Raptor go faster over terrain? Yes. Will a Raptor haul a camper, even a light weight 4 wheel camper? No. At less than a 1000 Lbs capacity, a Raptor can't haul 4 passenges and a 700 Lb camper without going over it's limit.

IMO the Raptor is a very specialized desert race truck. It does that very, very well.

A Power Wagon is kinda like a Leatherman tool. It will do damn near anything you ask it to, and do it pretty well too boot.

Later!

Mark

[78Bronco]

This comparison is apples and oranges. 1/2ton vs 3/4ton platforms obviously different. Raptor is designed for highspeed bumpy stuff vs power wagon low speed hauling a load, obviously different applications. Sure they are both fullsize domestics but totally different intended uses, so this thread is LAME.

[Stan the Man]

This comparison is apples and oranges. 1/2ton vs 3/4ton platforms obviously different. Raptor is designed for highspeed bumpy stuff vs power wagon low speed hauling a load, obviously different applications. Sure they are both fullsize domestics but totally different intended uses, so this thread is LAME.

Agreed. I would never want to take the Raptor on a trail. Those fiberglass fenders would be gone in seconds. The PW is too long to fit on most trails also, so they both will suck for a lot of the overlanding trails; but both would make sweet DD's.

If I was planning on using it to remodel a house, go get a christmas tree and the like, I'd get the PW. If I was heading down to the beach (Pismo), I'd definitely get Raptor.

[jcbrandon]

This comparison is apples and oranges. 1/2ton vs 3/4ton platforms obviously different. Raptor is designed for highspeed bumpy stuff vs power wagon low speed hauling a load, obviously different applications. Sure they are both fullsize domestics but totally different intended uses, so this thread is LAME.

This thread, like any thread in any forum, is as good as the contributions we make to it.

...Each truck has its strengths. Both can be used for adventure travel, provided you respect the limitations of each vehicle.

What aspects of design and performance attract you to these trucks?...

The post that starts this thread does not suggest a comparison. It points out two very different trucks that work great in the dirt and asks us what we like about them. It doesn't say we have to take sides. If I could justify another pickup I'd love to have a Raptor in addition to my Power Wagon.

[chasespeed]

Gimme a Quad Cab ram, with the Cummins, the lockers, sway bar disconnects, the under armor, and a Kore or Carli suspension.....

Chase

[haven]

Dodge decided not to offer the front or rear differential locker
with the Cummins in 2010. There is a limited slip rear differential
standard with the 3500. The trick electric sway bar disconnect
is not available from the factory, either. So you've got some
custom work ahead to replicate the stock Power Wagon equipment.

[stioc]

I have a couple of technical questions about Part 2 of the review: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2009/10...wer-wagon.html

First they established that the PW has a crawl ratio of 37.2:1 and the Raptor has a better crawl ratio of 45.14:1.

Then they say this:

The Raptor also features Ford's first application of hill descent control. It uses the truck’s antilock braking system to automatically modulate the brakes to slow travel down steep slopes so the driver can focus on steering and it helps make up for the Raptor's 45.14:1 crawl ratio.

Helps make up? I thought 45.14:1 was better than the PW's 37.2:1?

Also, I thought ABS becomes a problem in hill descends - which in itself is something I never understood why? especially considering the fact that ABS doesn't work under a certain MPH threshold (usually 10mph or less).

Back to the article - they claim this:

When it comes to lockers, the shoe is on the other foot. Ford’s electronic locking rear axle is a tremendous traction adder that works in two-wheel drive at high speeds, like a Baja PreRunner, as well as in 4-High (up to 25 mph) and 4-Low (up to 66 mph). Raptor is the only factory off-roader with this feature.

Should 4-high be 66mph and 4-low 25mph?

[chasespeed]

I have a couple of technical questions about Part 2 of the review: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2009/10...wer-wagon.html

First they established that the PW has a crawl ratio of 37.2:1 and the Raptor has a better crawl ratio of 45.14:1.

Then they say this:


Helps make up? I thought 45.14:1 was better than the PW's 37.2:1?


Should 4-high be 66mph and 4-low 25mph?

What is makes up for the extremem sensitivity that can come from the extremely low ration.

Say your 1st gear is 4.5:1... pretty darn lively when you get after it... If second is say 2.3:1... it wont be as peppy... or sensitive...

BUT, if you go the other way, and you have a crawl ratio almost 3x lower than your Hi range, it can get interesting. SO, they tuned the map for low range, to remove the touchiness, so, you and your passengers dont end up going to the Whiplash Driving school...

And yeah, I think it was a typo in the last line you wrote.... if you hit 66mph in low range...... uh.... yeah....

BTW, I know they dont offer the ram like that... and I am perfectly happy with my current truck... I was just stating, IF they could option up the Cummins Ram with similar equipment, I would be on my way to the dealer to discuss it....

Chase