Last updated May 31st, 2023

The Ford F-150 is an incredibly popular and well-known truck. As such, numerous companies have created packages to upgrade the F-150 and a slew of after-market parts. One of the most impressive of these packages is the F-150 Black Widow from SCA Performance.

Ford, though, has yet to leave the market for specialized trucks entirely to third parties. The Raptor is Ford's own performance version of the iconic F-150. Quickly becoming iconic, many Iowa buyers are curious about the difference between this new classic and the Black Widow F-150. Ford, though, has yet to leave the market for specialized trucks entirely to third parties. 

We’re here to help the residents of Des Moines, IA, better understand their options with these two amazing trucks. Whether they’re souped-up 2022 Ford F-150s or better versions of the 2023 model, you’re getting a powerful, capable truck either way. We’ll check in on the improvements since the 2022 Ford F-150 in both SCA’s Black Widow F-150 and the Ford Raptor while comparing the two below: first with a general overview, then in more detail if you’re really looking for the stats. 

The Black Widow F-150

SCA Performance, otherwise known as Southern Comfort America Performance, is known for producing iconic aftermarket brands of trucks. As truck lifting experts, they have years of experience producing only the finest of lifted trucks with excellent branding. There’s no better example of this than Black Widow trucks. Outstanding performance paired with a sweet look gives the F-150 an utterly new character without losing its heritage at the same time. Ford Black Widow trucks are a genuine sight — and sound —  to behold. 

SCA has tuned its Black Widow package to enhance the F-150's performance as an off-road vehicle. To do this, they install a custom suspension system and add exclusive Black Widow wheels and massive 35" BF Goodrich tires to the truck. These parts ensure that the car can handle the toughest of terrain.

SCA also gives the F-150 a fresh look. They include a custom hood vent, caliper covers, and badges in the Black Widow package. This, in addition to the tinted windows and painted accents, will give your F-150 a sleek look. This is in addition to the emergency brake assist now found on all Ford trucks. The interior of the car also gets some upgrades: a specialized instrument gauge and embroidered headrests are just some of the features that Ames, IA drivers will enjoy in the Black Widow F-150. Don't forget to check out our full review of the Black Widow F-150!

The Ford Raptor

The Black Widow package adds some performance parts to whichever version of the F-150 drivers choose, offering excellent flexibility in designing one's own truck. The Raptor, on the other hand, rebuilds the F-150 from the ground up. This has allowed Ford to create an absolute beast of a truck! It can handle anything Ames, IA, area drivers want to throw at it, and then some.

Marshalltown, IA, drivers will also enjoy the truck's upgraded suspension, which uses larger internal-bypass dampeners and a five-link rear coil-spring system to make for smooth driving. The truck's interior is the same as other F-150s structurally, but it features numerous parts upgrades. These include a 12" digital gauge cluster, high-quality trim materials, and fun touches like a racecar-style orange icon on the steering wheel's 12 o'clock.

Comparing the Black Widow F-150 vs. Ford Raptor

While these vehicles share quite a few similarities, they differ significantly.

Engine and Performance

Because the Black Widow Ford F-150 is modified after standard F-150s, it’s available with all the different powertrains offered on F-150 models. Iowa drivers can choose from the following:

• 3.3L V6: 290 horsepower, 265lb/ft torque

• 2.7L Ecoboost V6: 325 horsepower, 400lb/ft torque

• 5.0L V8: 400 horsepower, 410lb/ft torque

• 3.5L Ecoboost V6: 400 horsepower, 500lb/ft torque

• 3.5L V6 hybrid: 430 horsepower, 570lb/ft torque

While Black Widow trucks no longer offer diesel, you can still find diesel models. However, you can’t beat the hybrid F-150 in terms of towing power. Non-diesel models of the Black Widow Ford F-150 come with an upgraded, black-tipped dual exhaust system. Providing a gnarly roar and more extraordinary performance, this exhaust system characterizes what it means to be a Black Widow Ford F-150. 

Constructed in Ford’s factories from the ground up, instead of existing as the result of an aftermarket modification, the Ford Raptor can have an objectively more robust powertrain than the Black Widow Ford F-150. This is no surprise, given that it’s the most powerful Ford truck to roll out of the factory stock. Below are the available powertrains for the 2023 Ford Raptor

• Twin-turbo 3.5L Ecoboost V6:  450 horsepower, 510lb/ft torque 

• Supercharged 5.2L V8: 700 horsepower, 640lb/ft torque

As you can see, in this category, there’s no contest. We should note, however, that most Iowa drivers find the powertrains available on regular F-150 models to surpass their expectations. Drivers needing speed and sport may still opt for the Ford Raptor. 

Exterior and Interior 

The Black Widow F-150 and the Ford Raptor have premium features that improve their form and function. Among these is the Black Widow grill replacement, letting everyone around you know this is not your run-of-the-mill F-150. If that wasn’t enough, the Black Widow custom hood blows most Iowans away. It’s also blowing hot engine air away with its hood vents. Power running boards also make it easy to get in and out on the trail. There are too many custom features to list on the Black Widow F-150. Still, it is an excellent truck with tinted windows, custom wheels, premium features everywhere, and the distinctive, tastefully placed Black Widow logo proudly on display. 

The Black Widow F-150 is not alone with its inclusion of custom features on the inside and out. It, too, has a unique grille, as well as custom wheels. Both vehicles are also equipped with Ford’s SYNC technology, allowing wireless connectivity without using your wireless carrier. Besides available carbon fiber accents for the interior, the Ford Raptor lacks many cosmetic features that the Black Widow F-150 enjoys. All Raptors want the rearview camera feature; however, it’s only found on some Black Widow F-150 models. 

Suspension and Handling: Which Truck is the True Off-Roading Champ?

One great thing about both the Black Widow F-150 and the Raptor is the presence of Fox Racing Shocks on both. The designers of both models clearly understood what’s essential for off-roading, given the inclusion of the industry standard for amazing off-roading shocks. 

There are, however, quite a few differences between the vehicles. It’s undeniable that the Black Widow F-150 has more clearance than the Raptor, given its 6” lift. That’s in comparison to a couple of inches on the Raptor. This means there is some rugged terrain off-limits to the Raptor that the Black Widow F-150 can easily tackle. 

On other fronts, the Raptor may look like a better off-roading vehicle. While both the Black Widow F-150 and the Raptor come standard with rugged BF Goodrich 35in tires, the Raptor can be upgraded to 37in tires, which are found in the Raptor R. As mentioned above, the Raptor comes with powertrains that far surpass what is available on the Black Widow F-150. 

With all this in mind, it’s genuinely a toss-up which lifted Ford truck fares better on the trail. Between the higher clearance of the Black Widow Ford F-150 and the higher horsepower and torque of the Ford Raptors, they’re ultimately both fantastic off-roading vehicles. It’s up to you to test drive both and determine what’s more important to you on the trail. Luckily, you can test drive both at Ames Ford Performance to determine precisely what fits your needs best. 

Ford Cash Rewards: Black Widow F-150 vs. Ford Raptor

One of the best parts about buying a Black Widow truck is their unique relationship with Ford. As a Ford Approved Special Vehicle Manufacturer, trucks are shipped directly from the factory to Black Widow, where they’re then modified to become a Black Widow Truck before being sent to dealers like us at Ames Ford Performance. Because of this unique process and approvals, Black Widow Trucks are eligible for Ford Recognition Programs! If you’re unfamiliar, we’ve outlined them below. 

Ford: Supporting America

Ford understands that particular classes of people serve an essential role in the functioning of our nation and its future. The Ford Recognition Program has no better evidence of this understanding of what’s necessary. Many people play an essential role in making our country a better place, but Ford does an excellent job of including many significant players. 

Military

Keeping our nation and its ideals safe is the backbone of what it means to be an American. Ford recognizes military personnel with an exclusive cash reward. It’s available to active duty military personnel, veterans within two years, and others. We’re happy to participate in this program to support our troops. 

First Responders

Keeping our nation safe occurs daily within our communities. This includes law enforcement, EMTS, firefighters, and dispatchers. First responders are also eligible for this exclusive cash rewards program. Check out the details of this exciting offer!

Farmers

Keeping our nation well-nourished is incredibly important. Our farmers play an integral role in this process. While other machine companies are imposing costly technology rules on machinery, Ford is giving existing members of the Farm Bureau an exclusive cash offer on Ford trucks.

Students

Few things can make your future, and the future of your country, better than a good education. That’s why many trade school, college, and graduate students can cash in on Ford’s exclusive cash reward program. Check out the details here.

Exclusive Cash Rewards Pgm: Eligibility and Details

Ford is dedicated to many of the classic aspects of Americana that work to maintain the improve our country as a whole. If you’re one of the people these offers were designed for, Ames Ford would like to thank you for your dedication. Confirm your eligibility for these exciting programs and get verified to claim your benefits today!

Is the Ford Raptor Eligible for Exclusive Cash Rewards?

You might be asking, is the Ford Raptor eligible for these programs? Unfortunately, Ford has excluded many of their most premium vehicles, including the Ford Raptor, from these programs. This is one of the reasons not all buyers may opt for the Ford Raptor. 

Purchasing Your Premium F-150 From Ames Ford Lincoln

The Ford Raptor and the Black Widow F-150 have something to offer Story County, IA residents. The Black Widow package can be added to any F-150 model, meaning you can design the right truck for you. The Raptor, on the other hand, is a unique and legendary truck. This means that the Iowa drivers who purchase the Raptor will enjoy its stunning 450-horsepower twin-turbo engine and engaging off-road performance systems.

Whether you opt for the Black Widow package or the Raptor, you'll be driving one beast of a truck. Ames Ford Lincoln is Iowa's Home for Hard Work, and we're prepared to help you make this decision - and the purchase. When you work with us, you'll be doing business with people who know the needs of hard-working Americans. We hope to see you at our Ames, IA, dealership soon.