A race between a 1986 Ford Bronco and a 1996 Dodge Viper GTS might seem odd at first. However, the Bronco has undergone significant powertrain modifications to make it a worthy competitor against the very different Viper.

Although the exterior of the Bronco looks stock, it hides a powerful secret under the hood. It is equipped with a 444-cubic-inch V8 engine, along with a pair of 61-millimeter turbos to enhance its performance. The engine features modified cylinder heads, a new camshaft, and a Holley electronic fuel injection system. On the dyno, it produces approximately 550 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. With the added boost, the estimated power output is now around 669 hp and 1,069 lb-ft.

The cabin of the Bronco remains mostly unchanged, except for the addition of a digital dashboard with old-school LCD readouts, which complement the vehicle’s 1980s aesthetic.

For the drag race, the Bronco is equipped with mud-terrain tires, which are not ideal for this type of race as they do not provide the same level of grip as drag-specific rubber.

The Viper GTS, on the other hand, is mostly stock, with the exception of some modifications such as the addition of new wheels and tires and exhaust headers that connect to a 3.0-inch titanium exhaust system. The owner describes the Viper as “ratty” due to the holes cut in the hood and side sills.

The first race is a quarter-mile. Initially, the race is close, but the Viper’s superior power allows it to pull ahead and win by six car lengths.

In the following two races, the distance is reduced to 500 feet, minimizing the Viper’s advantage. Despite this, the Dodge still manages to win, but only by a small margin. This advantage is only evident when viewing the race from a top-down perspective.

However, the final race changes the outcome. The distance remains at 500 feet, but the Bronco driver has figured out how to effectively launch the SUV, allowing them to secure the victory this time.

Although the Viper wins two out of the three races, the Bronco steals the show with its unexpected performance. While it is not surprising to see a sports coupe accelerate quickly, witnessing the same level of performance from a Ford SUV is quite remarkable.