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 memo detailing the acceleration, speed, and handling of Mr. Royce's 20 HP car against competitor models from Buick and Chrysler.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 125\2\ scan0011 | |
| Date | 20th September 1928 | |
| Y 4012 To NA.{Mr Nadin} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}7/LG20.9.28. X1725 With reference to your NA{Mr Nadin}5/B83128. As Mr. Royce's 20 HP. car is fitted with a standard engine its acceleration is about 7% better than the standard 20 HP. due to the lower gear ratio but its maximum speed under normal conditions is somewhat less than standard, say 58 m.p.h. We found that the Buick would do about 60 m.p.h. Its acceleration is definitely better than the 20 HP. which is still slightly inferior to that of the Phantom up to 40 m.p.h. and above that speed of course considerably less. The 72 Red-Head Chrysler had an acceleration equivalent to the Phantom on 3rd. and a maximum speed approaching 70 m.p.h. It has easily the best performance of any car we have tried. The standard Imperial Chrysler has not such good acceleration as the 72 Red-Head but is better than the Phantom. Its max: speed is about 70 m.p.h. We found the 72 Chrysler Sedan weighs only 29 cwts. which explains its acceleration. The cornering of Mr. Royce's car is certainly very good due to the low c. of g.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} The riding also seems quite satisfactory, about as good as any car that we have tried. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||