Rush SR vs Radical SR1 vs Radical SR3

[BallinShark]

Hello everyone,

I am a prospective buyer looking at the Radicals and the Rush. The Rush seems very promising, so I decided to collect more information on it. These are my most pertinent questions.

How does the Rush compare to the Radical SR1 and SR3?

What are the running and maintenance costs associated with the vehicle?

How easy is it to transport the car?

Out of curiosity, is the AiM SW4 steering wheel (or something of that nature) viable instead of the standard dash?

Thank you.

 

[John H]

I haven't driven a radical so cant offer comparison there.

You're talking about 2 incredibly different price points and shouldn't be comparing to an SR3. SR1 vs SR You're talking $70,000 vs ~$37,000 well optioned..... We're not even in the same universe.

SR1 should be pretty similar performance. The SR running costs and replacement parts should be less. There's a pdf of maintanecne /running costs they might add to the resources.

 

[BallinShark]

I haven't driven a radical so cant offer comparison there.

You're talking about 2 incredibly different price points and shouldn't be comparing to an SR3. SR1 vs SR You're talking $70,000 vs ~$37,000 well optioned..... We're not even in the same universe.

SR1 should be pretty similar performance. The SR running costs and replacement parts should be less. There's a pdf of maintanecne /running costs they might add to the resources.

I’m well aware of the vast difference in price. My intent was to figure out which car offers the best performance to dollar value for my use case. I have a Radical and Rush dealer at my local track so I’ll ask them for more information. Thanks for the help.

 

[John H]

My intent was to figure out which car offers the best performance to dollar value for my use case.

They are close in performance and one is nearly half as expensive. There's no doubt as to the answer to that question.
Oh in regards to trailering, very easy. It has a fairly normal 5ish degree approach angle, and easiest is strapping over the tires. worst part is car is narrow so if you already have etrack, it might be too wide for over the tire strapping, necessitate a basket strap (sub optimal) ~55inches is the widest your etrack can be outside edge to outside edge.

 

[Sam Reed]

> How does the Rush compare to the Radical SR1 and SR3?

The biggest difference is cost of ownership and size. SR1/SR3 are two-seaters and the single seat option is also additional cost. The Rush is so narrow that a single seat is the only option.

Radicals also run 1340/1500cc dry-sumped motors whereas the Rush runs an essentially stock 1000cc motor. There are advantages and disadvantages to this. Rush motors are much cheaper to service and will run much longer. They rev higher. But they do not produce as much peak horsepower. This is generally offset by lower weight but a Radical will have more top-end speed.

> What are the running and maintenance costs associated with the vehicle?

Basic repairs are much cheaper on the Rush. Body panels are nearly negligible cost (hundreds of dollars for single panels) whereas a significant Radical impact could set you back $10k or more just on bodywork. Other members can comment on this but I know @Andor has had at least one impact that was cheap to repair.

Wheels are just over 1k a set, tires about $700 (see the shop, work in progress, doesn't have all parts yet). Low weight means easy on brake pads and rotors, and fluids are negligible. It's good to keep an extra chain around and to check it often, but other than this there aren't common failures outside of a failure to torque check the car - common to any race car.

> How easy is it to transport the car?

Very easy. The simple dual-axle 6x12 U-Haul trailer is very cheap and fits the car without a problem. Clearance is okay but much better with ramps or you can just take the bodywork off. If you do take the bodywork off (about 2 minutes with a partner) you have massive clearance. You can typically fit two cars in a single garage bay.

 

[David Hosie]

Now that some owners have chimed in, I will make a few comments.

Firstly thank you for interest in the SR and for joining our community.

Your OP asks how we compare but does not give information as to what you are looking for so some assumptions have to be made.

I want to start by saying that Radical builds a fantastic product, I have huge respect for what Phill created and I am pleased to see him back at it with Revolution. The man is a genius.

Not knowing what you want makes this harder, for example if you are looking for a structured National Series, Radical today, have us beat hands down. The Blue Marble Radical Cup is a true world class series. and your budget will likely reflect that.

If on the other hand you are looking at bang for the buck at local / regional events, DE or club racing. Then that situation is totally reversed. Nothing comes close to the price performance ratio of the SR.

Consider this; Radical monthly production 12-14 cars 110 employees. RAW today 10-12 cars 20 employees. That comes to cost, where value begins.

A FULLY optioned SR=$46K
A FULLY optioned SR1=$96K
A FULLY optioned SR3=$152K+

Operational costs see a similar 2-3 times factor. Our all in operational cost is around $80/hr if you are doing your own maintenance. 2-3 x plus, for the options mentioned.

Spare parts prices, compare a front upper A-Arm for the RUSH at $136 or a front splitter at $98 or a set of tires at $696 ( Yes per set ).

Performance on track, are you a shoe racing a w__ker? You will beat him in an SR on any track. Same driver the SR is right between the two options you have mentioned. The SR-3 will perform better on a high speed track Sebring for example SR-3 around +/- a 2:12 vs the SR a 2:19. Those are not the fastest times for either but reflect an experienced semi-pro driver. Lower speed shorter track the delta is a lot less.

I think your transport question has been well answered.

On the Aim wheel, this has not been possible as we use the Stock ECU and it is K-line not CAN. As we are moving to the 2023 ECU which is CAN so we plan to starting to offer the AIM Wheel later year on new builds.

 

[Turn 17 - Steven]

This is a question we get quite a lot at Turn 17. We also support a number of Radical SR3 cars at our local track.

Many good answers above that should help.

Performance per $ the RUSH SR is the hands down winner, not only for initial investment, but for overall running costs.

Radicals are sensational pieces of equipment, but very expensive to feed. In general the SR3 is between $500 and $800 an hour to run. If money and budget are no issue, the SR3 is a pretty special car. If you don’t want to spend the children’s inheritance on racing then RUSH SR will give you 95% of the performance at a fraction off the cost.

From an ultimate performance perspective the SR3 is a faster car at our local track 1:33 vs 1:40. These comparisons are not necessarily apples to oranges though. The SR3 runs Hankook Slicks, that are approx $1800 a set and last about half the time. We have not experimented completely with slicks at our local as yet, but suspect it will bring the delta down to about 4-5 seconds.

The RUSH is a significantly easier car to drive overall, and many people who have driven both prefer the RUSH, you get all the G-force and race car experience without the feeling of being beaten up, for gentlemen racers this is significant, you can spend a full day running the RUSH and feeling good!

Feel free to contact me directly for any other questions.

 

[DrPyro2k]

I'll add my 2 cents, but with this caveat.... I have only ever ridden in a Radical a couple of years ago with my instructor. The sure pleasure (noise, G'forces, and speed) was very addictive! That memory was one of the main reasons why it was very high on my list of cars when it came time to finally replace my beloved Alfa 4C. Any new track toy that I got had to have some things that I loved about the alfa. Specifically, paddle shift, midengined, light weight, reasonable consumables, AND it had to be faster than the Alfa. There were a few cars that met those requirements.

1) Porsche GT4 Clubsport (~150k new)
Pro: Excellent Safety, Adjustable TC system, PDK.
Con: Weight, Cost (CAPEX & OPEX)
2) Radical SR3 (noted above)
Pro: Quick, Large Support base
Con: Engine rebuild time/cost. OPEX ($1800/tires, etc), really wish it came with a "Halo"
3) Revolution A-One (~200k newish)
Pro: Updated engineering compared to Radical, Halo
Con: Cost, and unknown operation/durability
4) Rush SR
Pro: COST (CAPEX & OPEX), Halo type cage.
Con: Unknown operation/durability & Unknown Safety Record

I was really bouncing between the top 3 and a Miata, as I'm fairly sensitive to OPEX cost with tracking. It takes me less than a year to put 40 hours on an engine, so the larger 1500cc Radical would start to get quite expensive (not to mention tire costs). Thank goodness the Rush came along, as the CAPEX and OPEX was MUCH more tolerable versus those other options. When the original car was being discussed, they were talking about slicks. I was SOOO thankful they moved to the DOT semislicks, as this is a very large part of the OPEX expense.

Is the Rush perfect... No... Is there things I would have spent a few more dollars on to improve things... Yes... However, the Rush is just about the perfect car for me right now. I LOVE the weight (or lack of) of the Rush, OPEX has been reasonable so far, QUICK, and I'm able to improve my driving skills with it. I'm not sure I would refer to it as "race car experience without the feeling of being beaten up" as you do get quite a workout driving the car quickly. I definitely feel exhausted after a day at the track...

 

[David Hosie]

A few owners have spoken, if your are still on the fence you are welcome at the factory any time or we can arrange a visit with a dealer close to you. We take this personally! Our business depends on it. If we can be of any help reach out to Cale or myself. Cale is easier to understand!

 

[David Hosie]

I'll add my 2 cents, but with this caveat.... I have only ever ridden in a Radical a couple of years ago with my instructor. The sure pleasure (noise, G'forces, and speed) was very addictive! That memory was one of the main reasons why it was very high on my list of cars when it came time to finally replace my beloved Alfa 4C. Any new track toy that I got had to have some things that I loved about the alfa. Specifically, paddle shift, midengined, light weight, reasonable consumables, AND it had to be faster than the Alfa. There were a few cars that met those requirements.

1) Porsche GT4 Clubsport (~150k new)
Pro: Excellent Safety, Adjustable TC system, PDK.
Con: Weight, Cost (CAPEX & OPEX)
2) Radical SR3 (noted above)
Pro: Quick, Large Support base
Con: Engine rebuild time/cost. OPEX ($1800/tires, etc), really wish it came with a "Halo"
3) Revolution A-One (~200k newish)
Pro: Updated engineering compared to Radical, Halo
Con: Cost, and unknown operation/durability
4) Rush SR
Pro: COST (CAPEX & OPEX), Halo type cage.
Con: Unknown operation/durability & Unknown Safety Record

I was really bouncing between the top 3 and a Miata, as I'm fairly sensitive to OPEX cost with tracking. It takes me less than a year to put 40 hours on an engine, so the larger 1500cc Radical would start to get quite expensive (not to mention tire costs). Thank goodness the Rush came along, as the CAPEX and OPEX was MUCH more tolerable versus those other options. When the original car was being discussed, they were talking about slicks. I was SOOO thankful they moved to the DOT semislicks, as this is a very large part of the OPEX expense.

Is the Rush perfect... No... Is there things I would have spent a few more dollars on to improve things... Yes... However, the Rush is just about the perfect car for me right now. I LOVE the weight (or lack of) of the Rush, OPEX has been reasonable so far, QUICK, and I'm able to improve my driving skills with it. I'm not sure I would refer to it as "race car experience without the feeling of being beaten up" as you do get quite a workout driving the car quickly. I definitely feel exhausted after a day at the track...

The move to the DOT tire, The deal with Nankang, it wasn’t exactly planned but has worked out to our favor and to Hoosiers loss! We had kept them up to date on our progress for 3 years and they let us down! What’s this nearly perfect thing I hear! Ha.

 

[DrPyro2k]

@David Hosie - I think that for most people having the option for semislick and slicks is an excellent option. As we usually tell our beginner HPDE students, don't go below 200TW tires as it covers too many mistakes. Learn the car when it slides and even better in the wet, then you can upgrade to stickier tires and have some faster fun. Given how many people have "mowed the grass" due to how differently this car drives compared to their previous car, I think it was an excellent mistake to run the Nanking! I have definitely enjoyed shredding my first set, LOL.

 

[4SQR]

I want to add something from the perspective of a relatively new tracker who has virtually no mechanical talent but who does like to drive. I have an early chassis so will be spending this season on new panels, a second set of black wheels, new ARs, a set of slicks, a spare chain (which I don’t need yet), a set of spare pads (which I don’t need yet). It won’t break the bank.

But, what had been most important to me is the amazing support my first season out from David and Blair and Cale AND the owners in this forum. The amount of experience and generosity is truly priceless to me.

I have had a ball learning to handle this car with all the weight behind me, lower top end to be sure than my daily, but so much more responsive all around on tight tracks. For someone experienced considering this car I can only say being on the ground floor of a new player in high performance options had its own set of invaluable rewards.

 

[TimG]

I race against Radicals and open wheel formula cars. The SR3 is way faster than the Rush (15 seconds a lap faster at my track) but the SR1 is comparable if you put slicks on the Rush.

 

[David Hosie]

I race against Radicals and open wheel formula cars. The SR3 is way faster than the Rush (15 seconds a lap faster at my track) but the SR1 is comparable if you put slicks on the Rush.

Give it some time Tim, that 15s will shrink!

 

[Licklobster]

SR3 has ~80 more horsepower. Got to decide how to eclipse the 200 mark.

 

[Sam Reed]

SR3 has ~80 more horsepower. Got to decide how to eclipse the 200 mark.

And costs 3x as much to buy and to maintain! But, to its credit, it can hold one very frightened passenger.