I was wondering, why do rails run faster times than funny cars? They both have 8,000hp engines, they both launch with the same weight transfer technique, they both use massive tires and they both have the same types of trannys. The only real difference is that the funny car is covered with a body, which would actually make less drag than the open wheel rail, wouldn't it? Yet rails still manage to run faster. Is it the weight difference, if there is one?

the reason rails are faster than funny cars is due to the fact that the rails have a smaller frontal area than the funny cars. this allows them to accelerate more quickly than the funny cars because they have to push through less air

But the actual coefficient of drag should be lower, considering the rear wheels are taken out of the airstream. Even if there is more surface area, the shape becomes more efficient doesn't it?

...they both launch with the same weight transfer technique

That is incorrect. The TF car's engine is behind the driver; adjacent to the rear axle. It has better starting traction. Record TF ET is 5% quicker than FC.

The FC's engine is in front of the driver. It has less starting traction.

Record FC speed is <1% slower than TF. Larger, more aerodynamic total frontal area almost trumps fat tires in the breeze on top end.
[nothing above 300 mph can help any forum fanboy aero!]

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I understand that the Brits traditionally held "speed trials"; a standing start over 1/2 mile for speed only.

Assuming that either could survive 1/2 mile w/proper gearing; the FC would go way faster before it followed the TF into a sub-orbital ballistic trajectory.

So that little bit of time off the line is what makes the difference between 4.5 seconds and 4.8? You sure there isn't any other factor?

I was watching the Gainsville races this weekend, I noticed there isn't much difference in times between the funny cars and the top fuel cars. I thought top fuel cars were supposed to pull 3.5 or so second 1/4 mile.

Right now it's like the only difference between the two is the chassis, engine placement, and the fact the funny car's have a body on them.

So that little bit of time off the line is what makes the difference between 4.5 seconds and 4.8? You sure there isn't any other factor?

175 lb less weight and the engine closer to the axle helps. The extra 12-15 feet of chassis (TF frame may weigh as little as 120 lbs!) is "free" rotational inertia to prevent wheelstanding.

Makes sense to me now. Thanks for answering my questions guys:)