McLaren vs Williams - Which is the Better Chassis?

[DNQ]

Obviously, the F2002 is the elite chassis in the 2002 field, clearly streaks ahead of the other cars. But which is the 2nd best chassis out there? Obviously it's a toss up between McLaren, with their MP4/17 and Williams with the FW24.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages..

McLaren MP4/17 Mercedes

• Uses its tyre's better than the FW24
• Handicapped by underpowered Ilmor motor
• Largest Fuel tank in the field
• Arguably second best car in race trim
• Good launch control

Williams FW24 BMW

• Vastly quicker over one lap than the MP4/17
• Chews up the tyres terribly
• Boosted by powereful BMW motor
• Difficult to set up for a race

A few races ago, I would have said the Willy is the better car by far, but if you take the engines out of the equation, it's got to be the MP4/17 - the Williams just suffers really badly in race trim and just can't sustain the qualifying pace.

[f1manoz]

McLaren.

[Lee Janotta]

You're kidding, right? The McLaren's far better! All Williams have going for this this year are the engine, the brakes, and JPM! They don't even have twin-keel suspension! Juan Pablo makes that car look a lot better than it really is. The McLaren's far more agile, has a ton more aero grip, and doesn't chew tires, while the Williams is tight in, loose out, and devours tires.

[julesdw]

I don't think the Williams chews up the tyres.. I think its more the tyres go off quicker. I think the Williams is a better package. The engine is probably more power. DC does complain of understeer alot... but then again they all do. The Mclaren is a better looking car.

[Red]

Originally posted by julesdw
I don't think the Williams chews up the tyres..

They do. I remember that Ferrari had a similar problem, during 2000 season but they corrected it eventually.

Certainly Macs do have a better chassis and Willies rely mostly on BMW power. They afford to unleash it in quals but in the race it's a different story.

And if you like a bit of conspiracy theory, I believe that Michelins made a decision. And that's not Williams. But that's my personal impression.

[Damon]

The Mclaren by a long way. The Williams is a lump with the engine drivers keeping them in the fight at all.

[Speedworx]

McLaren have the better chassis by miles.

[Jordi]

McLaren has the best aerodynamic package. Not by miles though.

[Speedworx]

It does when compared to Williams.

[Jack racer]

McLaren with out doubt has the car but not the engine if it had the bmw it would be chalanging the F2002 and the championship would still be open.