The burn characteristics are similar, as are the performance attributes of the engines. That is where it ends. They do develop much higher horsepower because they can develop compression ratios and valve trains that regular gasoline would surely melt down, due to the much lower octane/vapor pressure characteristics.
Methanol also has a higher vapor pressure than does Ethanol, which makes it a better fuel for developing horsepower.
I have no doubt the Indy Ethanol switch was to generate advertising dollars from AMD and others.