Mopar Ram Runner Beats SVT Raptor in Desert Race

The Mopar RamDodge Ram Gen.3United States of America, 2002 > 20083 versions
2 photos
Runner has beat the FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
2522 photos
11 videos
SVT RaptorFord F-150 SVT Raptor RAustralia, 2008 > present5 photos
in a race set up by Pickuptrucks.com around a 4.73 mile desert course at the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, a state park in southeast California.

The Raptor and Ram Runner are two slightly different beasts. The Raptor is an off-the-shelf truck that anyone can buy from a Ford dealer with a 6.2l, 441hp and 434lb-ft V8 that is made to equally be taken off-road or driven around town every day. It has a base price of $43,270, and the version for this test cost $50,670.

On the other hand, the Ram Runner has to be purchased separately from Dodge. It includes a Stage II Lift Kit that gives 14in of total suspension travel for $13,670; the off-road front bumper that includes a steel skid plate for $1,290; the Off-Road Rear Tire Carrier that lets the car carry a larger extra tire for $1,425; Off-Road Front Fenders that allow for wider wheels for $1,055; Off-Road Rear Fenders that allow for larger rear tires and more suspension travel with $1,395; Sport Performance Hood made from aluminum with two air scoops for $1,070; and 5.7l Cat-Back Exhaust for $1,175. The truck alone cost $45,675 with a 390hp, 5.7l V8. With the addition of all of the off-road pieces, the Ram costs around $68,000

Both trucks were driven by SCORE International Off-Road Racing Series Trophy Truck driver Chad Ragland.

“I was impressed with Ram Runner’s extreme off-road capability. We jumped, slammed into mounds, cut through deep sand and it came out like a pro, rarely getting into the bumpstops or touching the skid plates," said Ragland. 

Over the 4.73 mile course, the SVT Raptor clocked a best laptime of 6:58 minutes. The Ram did it in 6:25 minutes. 

Despite it being slower, Ragland praised the balance of the Raptor. 

"Maybe I shouldn't say this knowing that the Ram Runner had the faster time, but if I had to pick one truck, the better overall performer, for both on- and off-road, I'd have to pick the Raptor," said Ragland.

You can watch the highlights of the test to the right.