Okay guys, this is the debate you've all been waiting for: the age-old battle of which race engine type is the best, the engineered-in-a-barn (not really) NASCAR OHV V8, or the engineered-in-a-test tube (not really) Formula One DOHC V8. If nothing else, this is certainly good a good excuse for downing more than just a few cold brewskis. Ah yes, bench-racing at its best...
And if you need some data to back up your respective position, then Jack Kane, who published just such an article for Race Engine Technology Magazine, is here to help. Better put on your engineering beanie though, as this stuff gets pretty technical.
A few tidbits to help stir the pot:
> The Formula One engine is a purpose-built, pure race engine, in a 90 degree V8 configuration, with 2.4 liters (146.4 cubic inches) displacement. It weighs at a minimum of 209 lbs.
> The NASCAR Cup engine is also a V8, supposedly production-based, and restricted to 5.86 liter (358 cubic-inch) displacement. It weighs in at approximately 575 lbs.
> The Formula One engine is designed to go roughly 840 miles.
> The NASCAR Cup engine is designed to go 800 miles, more or less.
> The Formula One engine puts out about 755 bhp, at upwards of 20,000 rpm.
> The NASCAR Cup engine puts out around 820 bhp at a much lower 9000 rpm.
> The Formula One engine is a DOHC design, with four-valve-per-cylinder layout and has finger-followers and pneumatic valvesprings. The ignition and fuel injection systems are controlled by a sophisticated engine-management digital computer system.
> The NASCAR Cup engine has two valves per cylinder using steel helical valvesprings, a single four barrel carburetor based on a specified Holley model and a single, distributor-controlled ignition.
Those are the obvious differences. For a more in depth analysis check out the links. There's lots of good info there--and some of it rather surprising.
EPI Inc: Comparing NASCAR Cup Engines to Formula 1 Engines
subytrojan says:
06:45 PM, 04/21/09
Cool stuff! Thanks, Bob!
carlisimo says:
07:03 PM, 04/21/09
Cool, didn't know NASCAR engines went up to 9,000 rpm. I'm an F1 fan but now I know not to make fun of NASCAR's engines.
hondacura4 says:
07:09 PM, 04/21/09
Interesting read. However one has to wonder what the results would be if the F1 engine had more displacement...say...3.5Ls and the Nascar Cup engine used more exotic light weight materials, more modern valvetrain and a more sophisticated fuel/ignition system?
dougtheeng says:
07:41 AM, 04/22/09
F1 engines have been neutered by recent changes to the rules. The comparison may be fair now, but 5 years ago it was laughable.
jederino says:
10:00 AM, 04/22/09
These are obviously rarified and engines at the pinnacle of performance. I would also be intersted in more relevant engines, similar to what can be purchased by the public. Perhaps touring car races that factor fuel efficiency, and extended durability. Which are the best of those races?
jackson611 says:
10:59 AM, 04/22/09
F1 teams are willing to spend major money because the money that is put into F1 will create technology that will be used in production cars in the future. F1 has tried to reduced costs in the past few years, but it has forced teams to focus less on engineering a better car, which is where NASCAR has a problem.
NASCAR with the COT has taken the F1 approach and decided to cut costs. This has created racing where teams spend less money on R&D, but have to pay the drivers more because that is who is competing, not the cars.
The reason why F1 is so much better than NASCAR is that it is exciting because a team running in the back can come out with a new aerodynamic device and begin running in the front (Brawn GP, Toyota, Williams), whereas NASCAR is always the same drivers winning.
Also, NASCAR has focused on marketing and not the competition. While the France family has made a lot of money doing this, the fans lose out because they miss the truly competitive side of racing. In F1 the major rivalry is Ferrari vs. McLaren. In NASCAR is Budwiser vs. Miller.
F1 all the way.
estreka says:
12:11 PM, 04/22/09
"In F1 the major rivalry is Ferrari vs. McLaren. In NASCAR is Budwiser vs. Miller."
Couldn't have said it better myself.
subytrojan says:
05:22 PM, 04/22/09
You're alive, estreka!
estreka says:
07:02 PM, 04/23/09
Yes! And I'm California-bound next month. Want to tackle Willow Springs?