While high-performance pickup trucks have arguably existed since the 1960s, the quest for haulers known for hauling the backside more than cargo really began in earnest within the last 20 years. This edition of Auction Dilemma looks at two extreme pickups and how each of these vehicle’s manufacturers defines performance. We’ll look at a 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor on eBay and a bringatrailer.com auction for a 2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10.

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Auction Dilemma: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Vs. Dodge Ram SRT-10
ebay.com

We’ll talk about the older Ram SRT-10 below, but it can't be ignored that the Dodge was no doubt in the minds of Ford engineers as they developed the F-150 SVT Raptor. While the Raptor is no slouch in the horsepower department, Ford chose not to go for pure straight-line performance but instead worked on the truck’s off-road capabilities (perhaps the biggest weakness of the SRT-10).

This two-owner 2010 Molten Orange Raptor marks the debut year for Ford’s performance truck. And despite a significant 170,000 miles on the odometer, the accident-free truck appears remarkably clean. The heart of this Raptor is the optional 6.2L modular V-8 (a 5.4L was standard) that was factory rated for 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transfers power to the four-wheel-drive system. Car and Driver reports a 7.1 second time for zero to 60 mph, respectable for a massive truck.

But, Ford’s focus was adapting this capability for extreme off-roading rather than tire screeching on pavement. A factory-modified suspension (over standard F-150 equipment) includes Fox Racing Shox dampers on all four corners: and other suspension that upgrades allow for about 12 inches of suspension travel in both the front and back.

Auction Dilemma: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Vs. Dodge Ram SRT-10
ebay.com

Inside the five-person SuperCab, creases are visible on the front seats. Otherwise, the interior looks to be in good shape with a sunroof, power front seats, and CD audio system rounding-out the cabin features. According to Ford, this vehicle is only one of 1,202 made for 2010 with the larger engine and Molten Orange combination.

RELATED:  Off-Road Road Map: Ford Raptor Buyer’s Guide

2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10

Auction Dilemma: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Vs. Dodge Ram SRT-10
bringatrailer.com

It would have been interesting hearing the initial conversations among the DaimlerChrysler staff when someone proposed putting a Viper’s V-10 engine into a pickup. Two words could probably summarize the exchange: “insane” and “brilliant.” American pianist Oscar Levant said it best, “There is a fine line between genius and insanity.”  The Dodge Ram SRT-10 indeed straddles that line. Unlike the Raptor and its off-road cred, this Dodge is all about on-the-street show and go.

This ultra-low-mileage SRT-10 sports just 1,300 miles on the odometer. So despite its age and two-owner history, the truck appears to be a collector item instead of a daily, or even monthly driver. Vehicle history shows an accident-free background and registrations in California and Arizona. Ram wasn’t spun off into its own brand until 2010; hence this Flame Red truck still wears a Dodge badge along with the modified SRT-10 front end and rear spoiler.

Of course, the centerpiece of any SRT-10 is the 8.3L V-10 sourced from the Dodge Viper. This beastly powerplant was factory rated for 500 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque. Online reports reveal a 0-60 mph time as low as 4.8 seconds. An impressive number for any vehicle, much less a fifteen year old truck. The seller reports aftermarket mods that include shorty headers and a Gibson cat-back exhaust setup with dual chrome tips. An honest to the car-gods six-speed manual connected to the rear wheels complete the truck’s mechanicals.

Auction Dilemma: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Vs. Dodge Ram SRT-10
bringatrailer.com

This regular cab SRT-10--a quad cab configuration was also available--features a pristine interior that befits its low usage. Inside gray leather and suede seats are embossed with the SRT-10 logo. Other cabin features include power-adjustable aluminum pedals, push-button start, navigation, and an Infinity audio system.  This two-seat truck is reported to be only one of 453 made for 2005 in the regular cab and Flame Red combination.

Will Either An SVT Raptor or SRT-10 Keep You Truckin’?

Auction Dilemma: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Vs. Dodge Ram SRT-10
ebay.com.bringatrailer.com

Depending on your preference for off-road prowess or stoplight shenanigans, either truck could be a tempting prospect. The Ford SVT Raptor has a current asking price of $27,999, while the Dodge Ram SRT-10 has a current high bid of $40,000 with three days remaining with its bringatrailer.com auction.

Sources: ebay.com, bringatrailer.com, Ford, theviperstore.com

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