2021 vs 2010 Ford F-150 Raptor Battle (Spoiler: The Original is Still Great!)

What truck could possibly challenge the brutish 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor? Maybe…the 2010 Ford F-150 Raptor?

When the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor made its debut earlier this year, it was again greeted with mixed reviews. The main cause for complaint being that the Ford F-150 Raptor was still missing a V8. In 2017, Ford swapped out the V8 for a twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Some truck enthusiasts felt that a Raptor without a V8 was just a hard pass.

Yes, the 2021 F-150 Raptor has killer looks, and its capability and durability is legendary. Even the updated EcoBoost has been noticeably improved for the 2021 model year. Bottom line is that when it was put to the test, it was all Ford F-150 Raptor. A true Blue Oval beast that could kick up dust and handle anything. The Ford Raptor was beyond compare.

Or maybe not. It is possible that there is one truck capable of dethroning the off-road rig: The 2010 Ford F-150 Raptor.

No, it isn’t time travel–it’s a new video by The Straight Pipes. Hosts Jakub and Yuri have decided to put the new Raptor versus old Raptor question to the test.

Jakub is driving the 2010 Ford SVT Raptor, and Yuri is behind the 2021 Raptor. From the start it is clear that the exhaust note will always go to the 2010 model. Its a guttural mill. But the EcoBoost V6 does sound sportier. Yuri compares it to a Nissan 350 Z. Side by side, it is uncanny.

The 6.2L V8 powering the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor lays down 411 horses and 434 lb-ft of torque. And the 2021 Raptor gets 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque from the 3.5L EcoBoost V6.

Side by side, they are very well matched. Each Raptor has strengths and weaknesses, but the performance is stellar in both.

As expected, the newer truck has all the cool bells and whistles. In particular the Terrain Management System drive modes give the 2021 a lot of extra muscle and nice options for drive quality.

However, the 2010 Raptor is very tough, and that V8 satisfies through and through. It feels older in the cabin, especially the infotainment. But it does offer necessary gear like a back-up camera.

While both Raptors are comfortable, the newer Raptor has a superior suspension and a smoother ride. But pound for pound the 2010 Raptor still handles beautifully, and has a firm and confident ride.

As for the visual presence, that comes down to personal preference. Both pack a punch.

In the end, Yuri and Jakub chose different model years as their favorite. It really depends on what your style is. 2021 is smooth and tough, comfortable and lots of amenities. Whereas the 2010 Raptor has that V8, and a lot of heft and might.

But a tipping for many is price, with the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor about $60K cheaper than the new, loaded 2021 model.

Check out the comparison and let us know which Ford F-150 Raptor would you choose?

Photos: Ford; The Straight Pipes 

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.