It's a battle of the extreme and powerful Broncos.
Hennessey Performance has pitted the Bronco VelociRaptor 400 against the Bronco Raptor to determine which one is the ultimate Bronco - in a straight line, at least.
Before we get to the answer, let's look at some figures. The tuned 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine found in the VelociRaptor has been tuned to produce 400 horsepower and 503 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the larger 3.0-liter six-cylinder in the Raptor produces 418 hp and 448 lb-ft of torque.
In an old-fashioned drag race, the torque-rich VelociRaptor lunges forward and stays in the lead despite the horsepower deficit. Even from a rolling start, the Raptor can't keep up with Hennessey's tuned off-roader. But straight-line performance is of little importance to Bronco customers.
In fact, the Bronco Raptor's poorer performance may also be attributed to its off-road-biased setup. Where the VelociRaptor receives 35-inch tires with Hennessey wheels, the Raptor leaves the factory with chunkier 37-inch all-terrain rubber. Weighing in at 5,733 pounds, it's also heavier than the regular Bronco four-door, which tips the scales at up to 5,320 lbs.
While the VelociRaptor's front and rear leveling kit and various off-roading accessories strengthen off-roading ability, it's unlikely to hold a candle to the purpose-built Raptor. As a reminder, the range-topping Bronco receives race-ready Raptor HOSS 4.0 suspension and Ford Performance axles. What's more, the automaker has improved torsional rigidity by more than 50% when compared to a regular Bronco four-door.
Unless you really care about straight-line performance, the Raptor still appears to be the best Bronco money can buy. It's been designed to tackle off-roading trails with gusto, and that's something we're guessing prospective owners care about most, not speed. That said, the Braptor appears to be lessening the deficit to the VelociRaptor the longer the race goes on.
However, there's one thing that may put people off the Raptor. Ford's hardcore Bronco has an MSRP of $73,780, but that hasn't stopped greedy dealers from placing so-called market adjustments on top of that figure. We've seen models selling for closer to $110,000, which may hinder sales and force people to look elsewhere.
With that in mind, the VelociRaptor's price of $80,000 (including the base vehicle) sounds like a bargain. Yes, it probably won't be as capable off-road, but it's significantly cheaper and can now be tailored to your preferred trim level.
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