Open Wheel VS Closed Wheel Racing Car | Know the Difference

On comparing different types of motorsports, you will observe that few cars have their wheels open and away from the vehicle, while, others have wheels placed under the vehicle. Cars having exposed wheels are called ‘open wheels’ race cars and they also have other important differences from their closed-wheel counterparts.rts.

An open-wheel race car has a single seated cockpit and the driver’s head is exposed in the air, whereas, closed-wheel cars can fit a second person.

If you are eager to know more about the differences between open-wheel and closed-wheel racing cars, you have landed on the right page. Let’s get going.

Open Wheel Race Car

As indicated by the name, an open-wheel means uncovered wheels that are placed away from the car’s body. These race cars also have an open-air cockpit and the engine is located behind the driver. These cars are also referred to as formula cars (used in Formula One racing) or single-seater cars.

• Small Space with One Seat

Open Race Cars only have one seat for accommodating drivers with little space around them resulting in a tight squeeze for the driver. 

• Open Cockpit

The cockpit is large enough to accommodate the driver’s body, but the driver’s head is exposed to the air, therefore, the head is at higher risk to get injured as compared to other body parts. Unfortunately, an open-air cockpit also puts the driver at risk of injury by flying objects. This is why the drivers in open-wheel race cars wear helmets and protective gear that are mandatory in protecting the head.

• Steering Wheel Design

The steering wheel on an F1 car has a very ergonomic design with many buttons and controls built into it. This is because the open-wheel car has very less space for the driver to move around, therefore, all the controls must be at the fingertips. 

• Closed Wheel Racing Car

The other vehicles in motorsports opposite to open-wheel racing cars are referred to as closed-wheel racing cars, though they fall under various categories. Like sports cars, streetcars, touring cars, production cars, and many more.

The racing cars have one feature in common; their wheels are placed beneath the body of the car and are often covered by fenders. Or you can say, closed wheels race cars look more similar to regular cars on the streets.

• Covered Cockpit

The interior of a closed-wheel racing car is spacious and the driver is covered from all sides that protecting the driver from flying objects and various other dangers outside the car.

• More Interior Space

As compared to open-wheel racing cars there is much more internal space in and around the cockpit in closed-wheel racing cars. The space can be used to accommodate another person like a co-pilot or navigator if needed. In addition, many other protective features can be installed like additional anti-roll bars. 

• Controls

As the interior of the racing car is spacious, there is little emphasis on putting all the controls on the steering wheel. The closed-wheel racing car has standard controls like hand brakes, and shift gear similar to any other regular car on the road.

Differences between Open-Wheel and Closed-Wheel Cars

• Weight

Open-wheel Race cars are lighter in weight and are more powerful due to their high-powered engine, therefore it is challenging for drivers to master them as compared to closed-wheel cars.

• Safety

Open-wheel racing cars are more dangerous in comparison to closed-wheel racing cars. It is because when fully exposed wheels come in contact with other cars, it can cause disaster.

• Driving Style

The Open-wheel racing car is at high risk of wheel-to-wheel contact, therefore the drivers should alter their driving style to avoid contact. It is challenging to master this racing car. 

These drivers need to be more mindful when taking corners or passing other racing cars. Their training and skills excel in avoiding contact, as they know could be too dangerous.

• Street Legal Version

The street-legal version of the open car is extremely rare. On the other hand, closed-wheel racing cars have many street-legal versions, like supercars and sports cars. This is because open-wheel cars are not meant for everyday use on the roads.

Check out the social media pages of GoMotoring. Connect anywhere, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.