The writer begins by pointing out the fact that the Z71 is a package, not a trim level like the Raptor, and while costing $4,000 less, it is far less extreme than the F-150.
Now, before we look at what this guy did discuss, we should point out that at no point does he mention the off-road capabilities of these two trucks. In fact, he doesn’t talk about driving dynamics at all, simply mentioning power figures and 0-60 times for both trucks before stating that the Raptor was clearly the better performance truck.
He points out that the Silverado Z71 can tow a little more than the Raptor and that it seems more capable of work due to the fact that the interior is more like a work truck with some premium upgrades. He also states that the GM infotainment system is easier to use, but he doesn’t go into any detail as to how it is better. He does explain that the tradition four-door design of the Silverado – which is available with the Raptor – makes the Chevy a better family truck.
The Verdict
The reviewer finds in favor of the F-150, stating that it is the “gnarliest pickup on the block because it wants to be”, but at the same time, he believes that the Silverado offers “probably better pickup-truck versatility than the specialized Raptor”.
We are quite sure that Raptor owners would disagree that its performance capabilities prevent it from being a great work truck, but at least the writer appreciated the power of the most-powerful Ecoboost F-150.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
