Off-Road Battle Pits Jeep Cherokee Against a…Corvair?
Custom built Corvair puts the Jeep XJ to work; climbing, pulling, racing and generally kicking up sand and mayhem in the desert.
The team from Matt’s Off-Road Recovery is used to rising to the challenge. Usually, Matt and his trusted 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ are coming to the rescue; recovering and towing vehicles stuck Zion National Park in Utah. But the team recently welcomed a new ride to the fleet, and it is a beast. Which is a bit odd to say considering it is a 1961 Corvair Lakewood wagon. So naturally, they have to have a throw-down in the desert to see how the Jeep performs against a custom build.
This 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ is a serious workhorse. Just check out their YouTube channel which features the XJ (named “The Banana”) perform amazing rescues and feats in all sorts of circumstances, terrain and weather. It makes 105 hp on the dyno; and has 35″ tires, a weight of 4,260 lbs, and 101″ wheelbase.
Challenging the Jeep is Rudy’s “Morrvair.” Built from a 1971 Chevy Corvair Lakewood station wagon, it has undergone a lot of mods and it is pretty great. With 240 horses, it has major upgrades from suspension to powertrain. With 40″ tires it already had a bit of an advantage over the Jeep. It is heavier to the tune of 5,460 lbs and has a 119″ wheelbase.
First up, both are going to do a dead pull on a Ford F-150, in the sand. Both the Morrvair and the Jeep have to dig in and work.
We don’t want to spoil anything, because this is a fun video with insane Jeep action. But the Jeep is sweating it out. Next the two do an 8 mile race in the sand. Lack of grip is definitely frustrating, and the Corvair is benefitting from its bigger tires, weight, and power.
From the sand tug o’ war, to the hill climb, it is close. Comparing how each vehicle performs is especially exciting. And it doesn’t get much better than seeing the Jeep XJ flex so solidly.
It is no accident that this 2001 Jeep XJ is so capable. Matt is a master at handling any vehicle off-road, but that Corvair has a lot of kick and a lot of power. Each bout shows off their prowess beautifully; as well as their weaknesses.
But all the drag racing, slalom, pulls, climbs, and off-road action is so delicious and satisfying. Bottom line is that both the Morrvair and Banana are a different breed of off-road monster, and actually complement each other well. As competitors, they are fierce. As a team? Unstoppable.
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