I know its a stupid question, but I would like to know the difference between the two races. The cars look pretty much the same, at least from my perspective, and I am sure that there is an ocean of difference between the two. I am hooked on the Grand Prix, but would also like to check out CART as well. It will be great help if someone will shed some light on it for me.

By the way, anyone know how much is one of those F-1 car worth? I would imagine it costs a pretty penny to make consider all the R&D involved.

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95 R129
04 Infiniti G35.5 BS
10 X204

They appear very similar but there are many differences.

The engines are designed according to the rules allowed, F1 has a ban on turbos and SC's and max size is 3.0 liters. Right now BMW is making the most power estimated at 870 hp @ 18,000+ rpm on race fuel, truely incredible! CART's limit is 2.6 liters and turbos are available, they are running around 900+hp on methonal fuel.

The chassis are different as well, most F1 teams build their own in house, CART teams buy them from the same companies (usually in England) who make F1 chassis's.
Generally speaking a F1 car is a little smaller and lighter and cost much more to run during a season. The cost of engine development and the exotic materials a F1 car has drive the cost upwards to sky high amount.

Personally, I would love to see them both on the track at the same time duking it out! But depending on the track and conditions, I think huge egos would be crushed and that would not sit well with some. But isn't that Sport and entertainment?

Check these links out for more detailed info,
http://www.f1technical.net/champs/fc_chassis.shtml
http://news6.thdo.bbc.co.uk/sport/hi/english/static/in_depth/motorsport/2001/formula_one/car_guide/default.stm
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/sport/f1/f1parts.html
http://www.atlasf1.com/2000/mal/faq.html

The technology difference between F1 and CART is like night and day. F1 cars cost millions of dollars to build and run, while CART rides are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

To summarize the difference, you can build a competitive CART ride with off-the-shelf parts (motor, chassis, etc.) from that series' suppliers. To win an F1 race, you had better be willing to build every part on the car yourself, except for the tires.

The best thing CART has going for it is the turbo motor spec because it encourages technology-oriented manufacturers like Honda to participate. However, they have changed the motor rules to an NA design like IRLs, so I think the series is going to slide even further down the technology food chain. They have even discussed true spec motor programs. : (

Oh, well; at least CART will always have the IRL to kick around.....