F1 2014 Car Comparison Thread

[beelsebob]

And still Bulls seem to have at least the same level of downforce.

That would be because "zomg the side pods are bulky" is not the be all and end all explanation for why a car lacks downforce

As much as many armchair aerodynamicists around here would like to be able to point to features on cars and look like they know more than the skilled engineers that work for F1 teams, you simply can't do that.

[johnsonwax]

Fantastic comparison picture, look how short the nose is compared to the red bull
And also the side pods are a lot bulkier for the red bull

Also the bodywork behind the airbox is MUCH smaller.

I can't comment on the aero consequence, but the Mercedes looks more compact in almost every way. That in itself is really remarkable.

[zioture]

Car comparison Redbull Rb10 Vs AMG Mercedes
Good comparison F1 cars :
Mercedes W05 VS Redbull RB10. Mercedes is small in nose sidepod and airbox

[ell66]

And still Bulls seem to have at least the same level of downforce.

Or maybe like in previous years the red bull is simply running a more downforce/draggy setup.

[timbo]

And still Bulls seem to have at least the same level of downforce.

Or maybe like in previous years the red bull is simply running a more downforce/draggy setup.

I have problem with the word "simply".

[zioture]

Nose Comparison Montecarlo

[Godius]

I found this interesting comparison of the FW of BGP 001 (09') and Mercedes WO5, both in Monaco configuration. via

[King Six]

Is it just me or has development really slowed down, not just this year but throughout 2013 and maybe even 2012. I used to follow every race to see developments, now teams bring almost thing apart from a flap or something. It's a shame but I guess things have matured now so there's not much to do. But I don't get how teams say they will bring developments to a new race, only for nothing to be identified on the forums or by anyone. I know there is lots going on outside of aerodynamics, so that's probably what is going on.

But I also feel there is a psychological element going on, by simply saying that development is occurring and the car is getting faster, that will just make everyone feel more positive. Even if the car is essentially the same as launch spec. Which for me seems like the majority of 2014 cars are very much launch spec, at least in terms of outward appearance.

[OO7]

I found this interesting comparison of the FW of BGP 001 (09') and Mercedes WO5, both in Monaco configuration. via

http://24.media.tumblr.com/1d55fb0fa2de ... 1_1280.jpg

The progress in amazing. The Brawn concept now looks like something a third year secondary school student would create in craft and design classes.

[bhall]

This is the one that always gets me...



It slays me just how poorly Renault initially interpreted the 2009 regulations for the front wing.

[GitanesBlondes]

This is the one that always gets me...

http://i.imgur.com/s2ttG8F.jpg

It slays me just how poorly Renault initially interpreted the 2009 regulations for the front wing.

At least they stayed consistent with interpreting the 2014 engine regulation.

[bhall]

Whatever the case may be, that wing looked like it was designed by Flavio himself.

[Blackout]

Take a look at the other early 2009 FW designs, bar the Brawn... the R29 FW wasnt the simplest one.

[atlantis]

Is it just me or has development really slowed down, not just this year but throughout 2013 and maybe even 2012.

Quite the opposite, IMHO , it's just that most of the development this year is "hidden" under the hood to improve performance and reliability, and the visible changes are often just small aerodynamic tweaks because the aerodynamic platform of the cars is probably already too good for current regulations (apart Ferrari ... j/k).

[bhall]

Take a look at the other early 2009 FW designs, bar the Brawn... the R29 FW wasnt the simplest one.

I was referring to the inwash endplates more than anything else.

Speaking of rough seasons, though, I think it's a bit funny that the teams represented in the OWG that drew up those regulations - Ferrari, McLaren, and Renault - all struggled in 2009. You'd think it would be other way around.