10 replies to this topic

[AndrewS]

Here's a quick little breakdown of the differences between F1, Champ and Indy cars. Since CART and F1 are often discussed, compared, criticized, and lampooned here, I thought some of you might like to see this.

http://www.cart.com/News.asp?ID=816

ps. This is merely meant to be an overview so don't get your panties in a bunch.

[Yelnats]

A surprisingly accurate assesment of the three series except for the maximum speed comments. F1 cars have exceeded 235 mph at Hochenhiem though they are usually reigned in by the requrements of the infield section of this circuit. With 800 HP on tap and a much smaller Frontall area than a CART car due to the narrower track, the top speeds should be very similar with the F1 car reaching terminal velocity much sooner due to it's 20% higher Power to weight ratio.

[LuckyStrike1]

The thing is - no one knows how fast a F1 can go in a straight line since they haven't been tested on ovals. So it's not very fair to compare top speeds like that. F1 cars have to brake down to 50 Mph at Monza and Hockenheim ... hardly something the Indycars have to do on the superovals.

Otherwise -a good one.

[Spunout]

Not bad - "ABC" of F1/CART/IRL told in a simple way. The top speed comparison is a bit pointless though because ovals and road courses require very different setups and no one knows how fast exactly F1 could go using oval setup (less wings). If we compare ovals and road courses it´s different thing but if we compare cars it is not fair to say CART/IRL cars would "win" F1 car in top speed because we don´t know exactly what would happen if they would use oval setup in F1 car. Also I don´t agree ovals can be called as "ultimate challenge" - it´s not just about speed even though it´s always easier to simplify things...

BTW in Indy last year they were driving trough the oval part approx 210 mph (in practise - they found out faster overall time could be achieved by adding wings for the "inside part" of the track). Despite of track still being very wet MH said those oval corners felt like driving on straight. This suggests F1 could be quite fast on ovals afterall...Perhaps CART car could be faster (or not) but my guess is an IRL car couldn´t get even close as far as top speed is concerned.

[f1racer]

lol.

Just a wee bit CART bias I would say.

I like the hp estimates the best. High end for CART vs. low end for F1. Oh yeah, and CART road course wings are similar to F1's...yeah right.

Whatever dude.

[molive]

good article.
should shut up some CART bashers (and vice versa).

[mhferrari]

Also, F1 cars don't have the wings like used by CART and IRL upon ovals.

[NYR2119935]

no arguement from me. However I assume this info was put out due to the confusion between champcars and IRL at Texas, and the difference between CART and F1.

BTW, on the record I love both CART and F1.

[bleakuzs]

Originally posted by f1racer
lol.

Just a wee bit CART bias I would say.

I like the hp estimates the best. High end for CART vs. low end for F1. Oh yeah, and CART road course wings are similar to F1's...yeah right.

Whatever dude.

Umm, Illmor disclosed that lastyears CART engine made 100 more horsepower than the F1 engine, so the HP figures are accurate in a genaralized sense.

[f1racer]

No 2001 CART engine makes 900 BHP.

And THAT is a fact.

F1 estimates are in the 830 range.

[unrepentant lurker]

A much more useful comparison

http://www.fortuneci...ield_guide.html