Group C Race Car vs. Formula One Car

[NewyorkKopter]

A modern day F1 car is capable of 4g's of lateral force. I was thinking about this and wouldn't it be a intresting open-wheel versus closed-wheel race car comparo? Because the Group C cars were made in the 80's, and some cars like the V8 Nissans were making over 1200 hp in qualifying trim! The Sauber C9 reached 247 mph on the Mulsanne Straight, while F1 cars are like the pinnacle of racing development. It'd be so awesome to see the two of these cars to race against each other, like on a track where you need everything, handling, acceleration, top speed, and braking. So who would you side with? I'd be with the Group C cars no doubt, I really like F1,

[MexSiR]

Formula 1 Cars are the fastest around a twisty track. (eg. Nurburgring) Period.

[NewyorkKopter]

yea but what about a track like La Sarthe without the chicanes An F1 car can get around turns quickly, but the Mulsanne straight should even things out. The Group C cars reached speeds of 240 mph numerous times on it.

[DinanM3_S2]

A 2005 BAR/Honda reached 260mph with the aerodynamics set up for higher speed (but still within F1 regulations and only adjusting their standard equipment). In most situations, I would bet on the F1 car.

[NewyorkKopter]

i thoght F1 cars even in their most aerodynamic form were still drag-limited to around 240. When did they do that with the BAR Honda?

[DinanM3_S2]

They did that top speed test about a month after last season ended.

http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/bonneville/index.php

The car set the unofficial F1 speed record at 266mph. While within F1 regulations, I doubt you would ever see an F1 car set up like that one was on race day, it would be too unstable to do anything other then a straight line. Still, the F1 car is the pinnacle of racing technology, I highly doubt that much of anything could beat one on most tracks.

[NewyorkKopter]

point taken

[drunken monkey]

hmm... why do i get the idea that the speed testing was honda flexing its muscles a bit before they come in 100% next season?

[DinanM3_S2]

Originally Posted by drunken monkey

hmm... why do i get the idea that the speed testing was honda flexing its muscles a bit before they come in 100% next season?

Perhaps. They do have a good shot at a championship now with Reubens and Jenson Button. Both have been doing well in test runs, but the two people really shining in the pre-season time trials have been Schumi and more recently Alonso. So while alone I doubt either can challenge MS or FA, together they might be able to take the Renault and Ferrari teams, because both RB and JB are better then Massa and Fisichella. This could be a really good season.

I think the fact that you can change tires during races again will put Ferrari (and Bridgestone) back in the game. Alonso will of course be a big factor again, as will Kimi if his car holds together. I like Honda's team alot, and Toyota has had their car out longer then anyone, and thus has had more time to practice then anyone. I think the team championship will be between Honda and Renault, while you can never count out McLaren and Ferrari. For individuals I'd bet on Schumacher or Alonso. 34 days till the season starts

[drunken monkey]

well... i've always been a honda fan, if only for the majesty of watching Senna outpace everyone in the rain whislt he was still on slicks.
granted that it was just the engine back then.
Oh and Senna was a nippy driver as well but still....

I was bitterly disappointed that they pulled out the 2000 entry as they were looking more than fantastic. I have high hopes for RA106. Car number 11? Another hint maybe?
I wonder if they will ever field pure white (honda racing white of course) car devoid of sponsorship?
next yar maybe when the current lucky strike deal ends?

[Dreamspawn]

Originally Posted by MexSiR

Formula 1 Cars are the fastest around a twisty track. (eg. Nurburgring) Period.

The current f1 cars would bottom out horribly at the ring as for who would win a wide open track i would still take the group c over the f1 but somthing like tsukuba with more turns the f1 hands down. btw good comparosion

[drunken monkey]

well, to be fair, the group c cars aren't exactly going to get away scratch free at the nordschliefe either.

[Spad]

Necro-thread!
Sorry, only just seen this while looking for Sauber C9 info.
With regards to the Nordschleife discussion, let's not forget that the late, great Stefan Bellof holds the absolute lap record there in a Group c car - the mighty Rothmans 956. I'd back the Group C car every time!