Choosing Between Two Really Different Cars

[David87]

Somehow I’ve ended up in the slightly odd position of narrowing down my next car choice to two vehicles that can’t be directly compared as they are so different.

1. Ford Ranger Raptor
2. Tesla Model 3 Performance

I don’t need a truck or an EV, but both cars are pretty unique in the marketplace and both appeal to me hugely, but obviously for different reasons.

Ford:
+ Cool and super practical, plus I do a few fairly long journeys each year. My kids will love it and I’d probably keep it forever, buying an EV to go alongside it in a few years.
- Diesel engine that’s average at best. Bit of a dinosaur in 2019. Slow.

Tesla:
+ Super high-tech (right up my street) and really fast. Love the idea of an EV. Elon Musk is cool.
- Likely to be outdated in three years’ time by better EVs. Not as practical as a pickup truck!

Err, help! Wish I was normal and choosing between two ordinary cars.

Edit: I actually have the Raptor on order and it arrives soon, so I need to make up my mind fairly swiftly!

Haven’t driven either as it’s basically impossible right now. Reviews of both are generally very positive.

Edited by David87 on Sunday 7th July 23:14

[Speed_Demon]

Er, ummm, hmmm

What do you drive now?

I think I'd go with the Tesla because I'm a tech guy, but the Raptor has huge appeal.

I think the Tesla in a bit one dimensional dynamics wise (I'm aware its fast round a track), and if you like involvement then it will quickly become boring. Though tech that gets updated over the air is very cool, and personally I'd never tire of the tech on offer.

Conversely, diesel pick ups are not long for this world. Not to mention you can fire it off road for a laugh if you want. I wouldn't want to do long drives in it/a crap commute in it, where as the Tesla shines in that department.

Wow, I tried to be helpful and feel like I've ended up doing the opposite. Sorry

[ZX10R NIN]

Raptor for me, no real reason other than it appeals more than the Tesla.

[V8RX7]

Buy both ?

Buy one - run it for a year or two, then buy the other.

Problem solved

[garreth64]

Bizzarely, I am currently looking at a Model 3 Performance or an Alpine A110. Both about the same cost.

Love the tech, performance, EV-Ness and running costs of the Tesla, plus its practical. The A110 is a lovely little thing to look at and drive, has rarity value, but just so impractical by comparison as an only car.

[irocfan]

nice worries to have!

From my perspective... I thinkmuskrat is a , he's got some great ideas but. That aside I'd imagine that the Tesla is reasonably practical but the Raptor would be easier for 'dump-runs'. If you like going off-road then the Raptor has to win. I'd imagine that the Tesla would be more comfortable than the Raptor not to mention more 'creature comforts'. No range anxiety for the Raptor...

On balance I'd like go for the Tesla rather than a 4-pot, diesel Raptor (make it a V8 and it'd be the Raptor)

[Jamescrs]

I'd probably go for the Raptor only really because that appeals more to me kind of a heart over head thing.

As you say yourself they are so different they aren't really comparable. It's down to which grabs you more I think

[Dicky Knee]

The Raptor. Buy one while you still can.

EVs will offer more choice and be cheaper a couple of years from now so no harm in waiting.

[Trevor555]

All I'll say is this.

Having bought hundreds of cars from the public I've heard a lot of them say the novelty of the big 4x4's can wear off pretty quickly for the ones who didn't actually need one.

Ie, farmers, pulling trailers, pulling boats up slipways, steep track to their houses etc...

Interesting choice though, let us know what you get.

[ninjag]

Trevor555 said:

All I'll say is this.

Having bought hundreds of cars from the public I've heard a lot of them say the novelty of the big 4x4's can wear off pretty quickly for the ones who didn't actually need one.

Ie, farmers, pulling trailers, pulling boats up slipways, steep track to their houses etc...

Interesting choice though, let us know what you get.

I ended up feeling this way about SUVs never mind the big ones. I thought I'd be restricted by having slightly less height in the boot and less traction on the road without awd but I've now got RWD and yet to feel any issues even in the rain with crap tyres on (soon to be sorted). I've just headed out on holiday and still managed to fit everything in the car and if necessary I've got a roof box which I can fit should I ever need more space.

Better handling and fuel consumption, don't have to worry about tread depths staying reasonably matched and if the snow starts to happen more often I'll just get some winter or all season tyres.

[David87]

Thanks for the responses so far, folks.

Agree with a lot of the points, but am little closer to reaching a decision.

I think it's a very awkward time for all new cars right now. ICE (especially diesel) cars are certainly in the twilight of their development, but EVs are still pretty much in their infancy. Both will be outdated in a few years.

[V8RX7]

Trevor555 said:

Having bought hundreds of cars from the public I've heard a lot of them say the novelty of the big 4x4's can wear off pretty quickly for the ones who didn't actually need one.

I assumed anyone buying one did need them, I have owned a few F150, Dodge Ram, Grand Cherokee - all V8 obviously.

They were only used when I needed the load / towing abilities otherwise a car is far better transportation.

Current Jeep is outside, attached to a trailer with 2+ tonnes of logs on the back, 4.7 V8 side exit exhaust, on lpg it's probably more economical than a diesel