Wow, I wouldn't expect the difference to be that big. How experienced was the crew on the 18s you raced? I guess that proves it all then..

There's a cool video of a couple of 18s racing a VX 40 and some Tornados. All in all, the speed difference between the three really isn't as big as one would expect, the VX being a bit faster and pointing a bit higher than the T, with the 18s closely following the T's again.