Raptor vs. Ariel Nomad: Showdown in the Sand (Video)
Beastly F-150 and sand-surfing desert buggy each have unique advantages. But which one can take the heat? Here’s the answer…
We here in America already know just how great the Ford Raptor really is. But across the pond, trucks in general are still a rather unknown commodity. Granted, that’s rapidly changing as Europe and Asia have begun to clamor for more trucks. But, few of our foreign friends have had the pleasure of blasting across the desert in something like a Raptor.
The guys over at The Grand Tour‘s sub web presence Drive Tribe have, however. But instead of just driving the Raptor and raving on about how great it is like every other review on the planet, they decided to make things a bit more interesting — like bring in an Ariel Nomad and pit the two against each other. If you’re not familiar with the Nomad, it’s basically a purpose-built off-road go-kart.
The Nomad may not have a roof or other amenities like the Raptor, but it does have some rather impressive components. A rear mounted 235 hp Honda VTEC four cylinder provides prodigious power for something that is basically a 1,400 pound frame with wheels. Mounted to that exoskeleton is an Ohlins long travel suspension. And not much else.
Our friends at Drive Tribe are clearly flabbergasted by the capabilities of the Raptor, but how does it stack up against its much lighter competitor? For one, it costs around half as much. And obviously you aren’t going to daily drive the Ariel. Plus, the Nomad provides a much more pure (read: challenging) experience, without all the electronic modes and goodies of the Raptor.
Clearly, somebody who’s shopping for a Raptor isn’t the same person who’s shopping for a Nomad. But it’s still cool to see a civilized road-going truck hang off road with the hardcore, purpose-built Nomad.
