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).
Performance comparison report of an improved 20 HP car against the standard model and a Chrysler car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 39\2\ Scan231 | |
| Date | 4th April 1929 | |
| Y3542. To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} PN.{Mr Northey} c. to EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} 20 HP. X4012 V5720 We have carried out a number of tests on the road comparing the performance of the improved 20 HP. car fitted with the turbulent head and the standard 20 HP. London Trials car. These tests were carried out with PN.{Mr Northey} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} and EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} The general result was that the improved 20 HP. gave a pleas-ing increase in performance over the standard 20 HP. car. Although an advantage is shown when we compared the improved 20 HP. with the standard 20 HP., when we compared the latest 20 HP. with the Chrysler car, the performance of the Chrysler is very much better. We believe that when complaints are received as regards the 20 HP. performance, they are generally based on comparisons with the Chrysler or similar cars. There is every reason why the Chrysler should give a better performance. The engine has a 4-litre capacity compared with approx. 3-litre of our 20 HP. and the weight of their Saloon car ready for the road is 32 cwts. compared with the weight of our Saloon 34 cwts. The one advantage we have over the Chrysler, if full use is made of it, is the fact that we have a 4-speed gearbox and that the 3rd. speed, if used skillfully, will improve the relative performance of the 20 HP. RR. We know however that customers, as a rule, either find it difficult to change gear, or will not go to the trouble of doing it. We have therefore got to expect that with the improved 20 HP. | ||