The Wienermobile vs the Nutmobile: A Food Car Faceoff
Everyone remembers the moment they saw the classic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile on the road, which has been around since 1936. But there’s a new peanut in town, and it brings with it the Planters Nutmobile. And because I love unnecessary comparisons, today we’re looking at these two food cars to see which is best. To do that, we’ll be looking at what’s under the hood, as well as what you’re paid to drive them.
The Wienermobile’s experience brings it many modern gadgets
Since its conception in 1936, the Wienermobile has had time to evolve into a respectably modern car. Most of the Wienermobiles shuffling around the states were built in 2004, but there are also a few from 1995 designed by Harry Bradley. Regardless, these revivals of the Wienermobile have clocked thousands of miles, and to do that, they needed proven technology.
In terms of engine, the Wienermobile has a 6.0L Vortec engine from Chevrolet, fitted to such cars as the Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Yukon XL, as well as others listed on GM Authority. But that power gives the Wienermobile a staggering 300 horsepower. Though the four-speed Chevy transmission is slightly dated, and I’d imagine that even with all that power, the Wienermobile wouldn’t be a screamer.
That said, it’s packed with other comfort features, including seating for six Hotdoggers. There’s also a removable sunroom (or bunroof), a backup camera, and even solar panels. That way the Oscar Mayer jingle can be played without using any battery. Though we’d imagine hearing it on repeat would get old fast.
The Nutmobile is the newer kid in town, but steps up to the plate
Well, we say newer, but the Nutmobile was actually conceived in 1935. However, it didn’t get revitalized unti 2002, where it debuted in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parage. The Nutmobile of today was built in 2014 and is 26 feet in total (one foot shorter than the Wienermobile). This odd peanut car was designed by TurtleTransit, a company known for its promotional vehicles.
But despite promoting two different foods, the Nutmobile and Wienermobile have the same DNA. Under the shell is the same 6.0L GM-provided Vortec engine, but in the Nutmobile that manages anywhere between 322 and 360 horsepower. That’ll get the Nutmobile up to 80 miles per hour, enough to pass other slowpokes on the highway.
Though the Nutmobile has one leg up over the Wienermobile: the interior. It’s a creative, retro-themed environment with carpet on the walls. But what’s cooler is a full timeline on the ceiling of Mr. Peanut’s evolution (for context, the character was created in 1919).
Which foodmobile is the best?
At the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter which mobile is best. Both are owned by Kraft Heinz, and often tour together for large events. The deciding factor between these two food-themed cars all depends on which you like more: hotdogs or peanuts.
With that said, if I had to drive one of these, I’d say the winner is the wiener. But this is solely on the basis of aerodynamics, engineering, and style. Though Car and Driver did get a chance to meet with the Peanutters driving the Nutmobile, who explained the driving conditions to be slightly treacherous. Though what would you expect from a 26-foot long peanut.
But unlike Planters, Oscar Mayer is taking applications for new Hotdoggers. If it’s your dream to drive across the country in a fiberglass bun, then send a cover letter to the good folks at Oscar Mayer. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up bringing hundreds of smiles per mile to hungry patrons across the country.
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