Saw SRT8 last night and was very impressed with looks - drive modified Lightning and love it but am lusting after the SRT8 now - having not yet driven one, was wondering if anyone can compare the seat of the pants performance of the SRT8 vs when the supercharger kicks in on the SVT (is it a slow build up in torque or do you get that same i've just been launched feeling) - thanks

i've never driven a lightening but have owned two S/C cobras... so I'm betting they perform farily similiarly.

The Jeep is N/A, and as with most N/A motors the throttle response is crisp and the torque is very linear. The 'seat of the pants' that everyone loves in the Jeep is from the dig. The jeep has is geared extremely low, has 4WD, and gigantic 6.1 Litre V-8ish torque in the bottom end. These factors combine to give it an ungodly launch from a stop. You'd wet yourself as the Jeep would be about 2 car lengths ahead of your "modified" Lightening in the first few seconds of the race.

The Jeep dies hard though after 60, even though the torque is very smooth and it keeps pulling through the gears considerably well given its 4700lb dry weight.

SVT motors with the Eaton Roots blowers on them have gobs of torque even at low RPM, and thast what I loved about my cobras.... just push down on the accelerator on the highway, NO GEAR CHANGE REQUIRED.

There is a lot more aftermarket to support your SVT, you have the potential for a much faster truck for any given amount of money, however, the Jeep has a lot more perks IMO.

u can easily kill an SVT with an SRT8 tried it a couple of times with a friend of mine from a dig and also from a 20mph roll u,ll win if u get the SRT8 . Trust me ;)

Both cars spec:

F-150 SVT

Engine
Type: V8, Supercharged
Displacement cu in (cc): 330 (5410)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 380(283) / 4750
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 450(610) / 3250

Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s: 5.2
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): 12/16

Jeep SRT8

Engine
Type: V8
Displacement cu in (cc): 370 (6059)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 415(310) / 6000
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 410(556

Acceleration 0-62 mph s: < 5.0

I uploaded 2 pics of both cars the final decision is left to you .

Just traded my modified 2001 Lightning for the Jeep. Lightning was faster in 1/4 mile, but the Jeep is much easier to launch and has a few tenths better 0-60 times.

Although the Jeep feels faster up to 60, the Lightning was definitely faster after that, as evidenced by much higher trap speeds. If you drive a NON modified Lightning, the Jeep will easily be quicker all around.

Main thing I hate about Jeep is I was spoiled by the multitude of tuning options with the Lightning - pulleys, flash tuners, trans shift kits, etc. That is what i miss the most

The final point is handling - Jeep is much better, I am guessing, due to AWD. The light rear in the SVT tended to jump around when you hit bumps in turns more.

Ive eaten a few SVT's from a dig and they were all worked. Fast pickups beware when lightly modded.

Jeep all the way!!!! I just love mine to death:)