From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Outlining the fundamental points for judging car performance.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\N\2October1925-December1925\ Scan34 | |
| Date | 12th October 1925 | |
| R.R. 493A (50 H) (D.D. 31, 12-6-25) J.H.D. EXPERIMENTAL REPORT. Expl. No. REF: HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/PMP/LG/12.10.25 To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from HxRm c. to CO. DJ. c. to Plt. CW D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} c. to E.P. Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} c. to Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} FUNDAMENTALS OF CAR PERFORMANCE. X4578 We frequently have quoted performances of various cars, but owing to incomplete information, the figures are of little value. We therefore submit a list of points which should be considered when judging the performance of a car. The following statements are not made under the erroneous impression that the points in question are not widely understood and appreciated, but rather with a view to ensuring that nothing is over-looked in criticising the performance of a car. The following items are briefly reviewed :- (1) ACCELERATION. (a) Direct drive. Gear ratio. Car weight. Engine power and displacement. Tractive resistance. Carburation. (b) Indirect gears. Value of flywheel, shape, of torque curve. (2) TRACTIVE RESISTANCE. Tyres and bearings. Wind resistance. (3) HILL CLIMBING. Connection with acceleration. Significance of torque curve. Car weight. Gear ratio. Displacement. (4) HIGH SPEED PERFORMANCE. Windage, projected car area, streamlining, gear ratio. Exhaust systems. contd :- | ||