whats the difference between NASCAR and formula 1... which is better??

Answer 1

This question is deceptive. It sounds so simple, and yet it is very difficult to answer properly. There have been some wonderful answers, namely Bobby and Martin. There have also been some rather uninformed answers, but back to the question at hand. Both are simply car races where cars must conform to standards set by a governing body. They are excuses for people to strap themselves into something fast and try to beat the next person to the finish line. It's the same reason there are track and field races, ski races, bobsled, bike and speed skating races. It all boils down to competition. Both have their roots in the car races of the early 1900's. The European races of the 20's and 30's for F1 and the beach course races at Daytona Beach, Florida in the 30's. I'm not going to go into specifics here so that I can keep this answer to the point. You can find all the specifics you could want by going to the links provided in the "source" section below.

Now, let's divide this up for ease of comparison.

Formula One is open wheel racing, meaning simply that the cars' wheels are open, or not covered by the skin of the vehicle. The sport is basically technology driven. Manufacturers spend time and money in research and development to produce new parts construction materials etc. to make their cars faster than the next guy. The courses are generally road courses, a term meaning that the course consists of left and right turns as well as straights. As mentioned by others F1 races are sometimes run on courses made of blocked off city streets. They also race in the rain and use a different type of fuel. F1 races take place all over the world.

NASCAR is stock car racing, meaning that the cars are loosely based on 4 door sedans currently in production by the auto makers that compete in the series; Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, and Toyota starting in 2007. The cars do use older technology, but they are meant to emulate the classic American hot rods. It's the idea of taking what you have and doing enough modifications to beat the other guy. Although, in NASCAR, those modifications must meet the standards and fit the rules. They compete on many different tracks, although most are considered oval. There are many configurations though; ovals, tri-ovals, quad-ovals, nearly rectangular, triangular, and even egg shaped like Darlington. They also race on two road courses each season. The oval type tracks differ in more than shape. They fit into three categories by length, "short tracks", "intermediate" and "super speedways". The tracks also have varying degrees of banking which, along with length, contribute to the attainable speeds. Two of the super speedways, Daytona and Talledega, use a restrictor plate because they also have high banking. The restrictor plate is a plate with regulation sized holes placed between the carburetor and intake manifold to restrict the flow of air and fuel, causing a reduction in power and speed. Unrestricted engines at these tracks can produce over 750 horsepower and reach speeds near 230 mph.

Many people say NASCAR is more exciting because of the crashes, while Formula 1 "is recognized as the highest class of auto racing in the world." Neither has any bearing on which series is better. That is based purely on opinion and you'll have to decide that for yourself. As you can see from the amount of information, I know more about NASCAR because I'm a fan. I even took a class in college called "The Evolution of Southern Motorsports" that went into all aspects of the sport. No matter what anyone else says, you should look at both series and make your own decision on which one you feel is better.

Answer 2

Formula 1 Vs Nascar

Answer 3

NASCAR races cars that look a little more like regular cars, except they're definitely different. They're refered to as "stock cars" and have some restrictions such as how low or high off the ground they can be, spoiler height, etc. Some races will have restrictor on the cars while others won't. The majority of races involve turning left, except the race at Infineon in Napa Valley, California. That's more of a road course. I think NASCAR is a lot of fun. Actually being there is great! The races last a few hours, but when you're there, it only feels like 45 minutes. Many people say it's a redneck thing, but the "rednecks" are good ol' boys and everybody's just having a great time. Some of them commentators annoy me, namely Benny Parsons and his crew, but Darrel Waltrip and his guys are great!

Formula One is way more expensive than NASCAR. Formula One cars have computers in them and all sorts of stuff the stock cars of NASCAR don't have. The Formula One cars are the Indy cars you see at the Indy 500. Formula One racing is very popular in Europe, and the US is trying to get Americans to get into it as well. NASCAR will have 200 lap races (or more depending on the track, even less too but this just gives you an idea) where Formula One races are more like 60 (but again, they could be more). The tracks for Formula One, as far as I'm aware, are more like road courses, where there are left and right turns. I've never been to a Formula One race, but I've seen part of the track at Monaco seems how that track is actually the streets. Formula One's pretty fun to watch too.

Which is better? Mmm... I suppose it depends on your taste. Fancy cars or stock cars? Tracks that look like ovals most of the time (or a triangle) or more of a road course? If you were to go to a race, I'd say NASCAR because you can usually see the whole track and don't have to wait forever to feel the thunder of the cars go by, where as with Formula One, I know at the Monaco course people watch from their balconies and you'll have to wait to see the cars again. There are courses though where you will be able to see the cars most or all of the time. I don't believe there's too many in America.

So if you're going to a race, NASCAR races are easier to find in the States and you'll be able to see more of the action. If you're going to watch on TV, then I'd suggest watching a few races of each kind and deciding which style suits you more.

Peace & Best!

Answer 4

Many people say NASCAR is more exciting because of the crashes, while Formula 1 "is recognized as the highest class of auto racing in the world." Neither has any bearing on which series is better. That is based purely on opinion and you'll have to decide that for yourself. As you can see from the amount of information, I know more about NASCAR because I'm a fan. I even took a class in college called "The Evolution of Southern Motorsports" that went into all aspects of the sport. No matter what anyone else says, you should look at both series and make your own decision on which one you feel is better.

Answer 5

Many interesting ways in which they are similar in that the governing body stricly limits the designs of all the competing vehicle in ordeer to promote more competitive racing. Any variation straying from the guidelings and the car is not allowed to race.

Of course, the vehicles look very different, as many have pointed out.

The person who has told you that you need more experience to race NASCAR because formula 1s are lighter does not know much about racing. Very young people race both kinds of cars, and NO ONE enters either a main event NASCAR racer or a formula 1 car without years of experience. A wreck at 200 mph is ugly in any car.

Answer 6

The difference has been explained in other answers prior to mine. A major difference is that a NASCAR is limited to a 377 Cubic Inch engine which limits horsepower. They run at 7000 to 9000 RPM's where a Formula 1 car is geared more for road racing. It is also much faster, you can hear the difference between engines from a distance. Formula one turns at 19,000 - 21,000 RPMs A hell of allot louder. Formula 1 will also change tires and race in the rain something NASCAR will never do.

As for which is better? you have to decide that for yourself, the one thing I would say is that you go and see a race in person before you decide. The smell of the fuel/alcohol and the sound of the engines can make you get excited for one or the other, then you can honestly pick which you feel is better or the one that you just happen to like more.

Answer 7

I agree with Bobby! The technology are mile apart. But in either sport it takes a ton of driving skill and focus. Both sports require high speed and in such high speeds you start to get tunnel vision where everything around you is fuzzy except for that track/car in front of you. Have you ever tried overtaking at those speeds?! It is next to impossible. That is where the strategy come in! Every driver has to study his opponent and learn their pattern. So the sport is really more that just a lead foot on the throttle. Nascars don't have as much grip or downforce as the F1 cars so you can't throw the car into a sharp overtaking move, that is why Nascars start their overtake in the straights or coming out of a straight. F1 cars have a lot of grip which allows them to make quick maneuvers but when everyone has just as much grip as you have every little inch counts so the best overtaking is done at the end of the straights during the braking! So which is better?! They both are! All race car drivers develop the reflex, focus, smoothness and strategy required to win the race and that is what make it so damn exciting! The only difference is the design and characteristics of the car they are driving! So when you watch a race again... ...look closely! You will see the strategy and mental skill that comes into play!

Answer 8

Nascar is stock car racing, Formula 1 is open wheel. I like NASCAR much better and have been a junkie since the early 80's. Formula 1 just doesn't interest me.

Answer 9

Which is better depends upon where you live. In the US NASCAR has really won out. F1 however would be the world wide favorite. Differences are huge in the shape and design of the cars. NASCAR seems to have more off track drama to follow. F1 is not on a circle track so it makes it fun to watch. Keep in mind that Indy Car is the American F1. Indy Car has had the closest finishes in the history of racing. Personally I like open wheel racing, less cars and less drama with more racing.

Answer 10

I have no idea what the difference between the two are other than I've heard of Nascar but not of Formula 1.