Indy Cars vs. Formula One - Which is faster? Ask Rob About Cars

Which is faster, an Formula 1 car or an Indy car? Joe G., San Jose, CA

As a general rule, Indy cars are faster in a straight line by design for races on oval circuits. Formula One cars are quicker around a road circuit, hands down. There are no super speedway oval tracks in that series. The series rules are what limit the power-to-weight ratios and aerodynamic aids allowed.

Indy cars are powered by an ultra-reliable “spec” race engine supplied by Honda with only one failure in years. The 3.5 liter V-8 engine produces roughly 630 horsepower and revs up to 10,500 rpm. The car minimum weight is 1,525 lbs and uses a 6-speed sequential shift semi-automatic transmission.

Formula One cars have multiple manufacturers involved competing against each other and currently have a minimum weight of 1372lbs. The engines produce roughly 730 horsepower from the 2.7 liter V-8 engines and can rev around 18,000rpm. Impressive considering the engines are restricted from using “exotic” materials. A sequential-shift semi-automatic 7-speed transmission is used.

Aerodynamics make it possible for the cars to corner as fast as they do. It was recently reported that the “Drag Reduction System” or DRS in a Formula One car can enable an extra 10-12 mph on a straightaway. That is enormous!

When the two series last raced on the same track, the Formula One cars were roughly 5 to 7 seconds quicker than the Indy cars. If you want to see the Indy cars race locally, be sure to check out the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma, August 26-28th at Infineon Raceway.
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