To be exact, the 1985 Renault Turbo F1 car with a qualifying engine which had according to Derek Warwick 1550bhp. This versus the 2005 Honda F1 car with the 3 litre V10 which was touching 1000bhp. I know back in 2003 at Monza Michael Schumacher recorded the fastest F1 speed ever at 230.5mph but would an 80’s turbo qualifying F1 car with more horsepower be faster in a drag race than the V10s? Also round a circuit like Silverstone or Barcelona.. which would be faster?
Opinion is split over this.
Over a (complex) lap I’d personally go for a 2004 Ferrari F2004, this car still has the lap record on many current circuits and despite being 600 odd hp down on a turbo era F1 car, the time gained under superior braking, close to seamless shift gearboxes, better traction, better aerodynamics.
I wish there would be a official computer simulation over this, as I have asked this question before and remain unconvinced over either opinion.
I think the new car has it. While the turbo cars had immense power, the V10 cars were engineered to a level that was impossible in 1985. They have better materials, better quality controls, and better access to information. In terms of a drag race, I think the older car may have an advantage, but there is more to the car than peak power. Somehow that power has to be put to the ground, and the new suspensions, gearboxes, and tires are far superior to what they replaced. Around any circuit, I think the new car would eat the old one’s lunch.
i do agree with the 1985 car winning the drag race, 50% more horse power than the 05, smaller front tires and far less complicated wings with no wing lets for less drag, and meaty slicks on the back end to lay the power down,
on a circuit the proof is in the records, back in 04 and 05 before engine reliability rules some cars were running near 90ยบ (or flat) v engines giving a lower C.O.G. raised noses with suspended front wings and all the wing-lets and barge boards gave aero efficiency like an 85 car could only dream of. the common materials in the modern day were in their infancy in 85 if they even existed at all. the cars are made so much under weight that 30% or more of the total weight is ballast add to that the breaks and gear boxes and i don’t see the 05 car loosing
In a drag race with modern rubber (tyres) I think that the 1985 would have a chance but as Julian said that (near) seamless shift gearbox has got to be worth at least .5 sec. If you put period rubber on both cars then I think the advantage shifts towards the new car. Also do not forget launch control.
Around a track with period rubber there is no doubt the modern car would be faster. With modern rubber on the older car it would be closer but the modern car’s mechanical grip and aero package are so much more sophisticated.