F1 has long been the aristocrat of the motorsport community, with many aspiring racers dreaming to compete in the division. With its rich history of legendary drivers and rivalries between the modern and traditional powerhouses, Formula 1 certainly makes for interesting viewing.

However, their battery-operated electric contemporary, Formula E, has never received much attention. A significant factor in that is obviously down to relatively lesser power and speed, something that F1 cars rank in far, far ahead.

So, while the comparison might not be that surprising, there are still some interesting facts to look at.

However, with developments with both divisions’ engines, we now seek to raise the question: is Formula E faster than F1?

F1 cars have superior maximum speeds compared to Formula E cars

The fuel-powered machinery have the obvious advantage in top speeds and pace on the straights of circuits. According to various reports, F1 cars can touch a maximum speed of up to 230 mph, while Formula E cars possess figures of somewhere around 174 mph.

In addition, the power unit output with F1 cars can range anywhere between 875-1000 HP with the potential for an extra 160 HP through DRS activation. On the other hand, Formula E cars can produce a horsepower capacity of 270 HP in race mode, with a 335 HP in ‘fanboost mode’ the maximum limit.

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The aerodynamics support and fine-tuning in designing both sets of race cars are naturally also different. With these a key component in streamlining speeds, this is another segment where F1 trumps.

There are however no compromises in the quality of Formula E racing

Clearly then, from a numerical and observational point of view, there is no contest between Formula 1 and Formula E. The technological developments of building the V6 powertrains in the former have elevated the sport into a whole different dimension.

But that said, the competition in Formula E is quite gripping and at times, even outweighs the frequency of close battles in F1. The conception of the electric version of the racing league thus provides a very good level of excitement.

Therefore, motorsport now enters a new decade which will see a raft of changes in the power and accompanying speeds in both divisions. But for the time being though, F1 stands unchallenged relative to its electric fraternity.

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