Formula Mazda vs. Formula Continental??

[captdigi]

Performance? Thoughts??

[Lotus7]

to be clear, original "Formula Mazda" or "Pro Formula Mazda" ?

[CGOffroad]

Is the question 'Which one is faster?' Or is the question 'Where are the highest concentration of each model located?'

[captdigi]

Original Formula Mazda. Not PFM

QUOTE=Lotus7;675009]to be clear, original "Formula Mazda" or "Pro Formula Mazda" ?[/QUOTE]

[captdigi]

All of the above. Looking for general feelings from people who have driven both.

QUOTE=CGOffroad;675010]Is the question 'Which one is faster?' Or is the question 'Where are the highest concentration of each model located?'[/QUOTE]

[teamwisconsin]

Driven lots of both styles.

To be really fast in Formula Continental requires technical savvy, ability to sense the difference between mechanical and aero grip, smooth/precise inputs, and conservation of momentum. Owner operators that succeed usually have an above average ability to engineer their own racecar.

To be really fast in Original/Standard Mazda requires a 5 gallon jug of 87 octane, a cowboy hat, and an ability to smile while sideways at 100mph.

They’re both fun and rewarding in their own way. If you have a gang of FM’s in your neck of the woods John, you would have a hard time beating it in the fun-for-funds department.

[EYERACE]

FM.....fast means one knows how to make 'em slide in the corner..........faster in a straight line than most any FC without trying too hard

FC.....can be better/faster thru the corners than FM for many a driver if car is set up well......not quite as fast in a straight line in general but in FM draft it's a big help keeping up

So, the deal generally is FCs don't like being near FMs on track because the FC will all too often find the FM holding them up barreling into and through a corner and if the FC can pass 'em that way, the FC will get passed by the FM on the next long enough straight.

Lather rinse repeat

[S Lathrop]

If you want a car to jump into and run with the bunch, and you don't want the learning curve that comes with a car that requires attention to setups to be competitive, go for the FM, or various FE cars.

But if you want to advance beyond FC/FM performance, do the learning that you will get from F2000/FC. The faster you go the more critical setups become and you as the driver need to be able to understand that part of racing. Even with "spec" cars setups can be the difference between winning and being an also ran type driver.

As an example of what I am saying, look at Scott Dixon's career. He is a master at getting his car setup perfectly for him to drive.