* Short bursts of speed: Opossums are actually quite agile and can move surprisingly fast when startled or threatened. Raccoons, while not as quick, are also capable of bursts of speed.
* Long distances: Raccoons have longer legs and might be better suited for running long distances.
* Terrain: Both animals are adaptable to different terrain, but opossums might be more agile in tight spaces and climbing trees due to their prehensile tails.
So, it really depends on the specific context:
* In a race over a short distance, an opossum might win.
* Over a longer distance, a raccoon might have an edge.
Ultimately, both opossums and raccoons are adaptable and capable of moving quickly when needed.