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).
Comparative performance review of Bentley, Daimler, and Stutz vehicles.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\R\2October1927-November-1927\ 37 | |
| Date | 24th October 1927 guessed | |
| contd :- -2- same as the Bentley. The superiority of the Phantom was most marked up to 45 m.p.h. We can only think that the Bentley people have a camshaft that gives a good volumetric efficiency at high engine speeds and in consequence do not obtain the maximum M.E.P. at low engine revs. The most objectionable feature of the Bentley was the very marked torque reaction which could be felt in the rear seats at 30 m.p.h. full throttle, top gear. The torque on this car is of course taken through the rear springs only. SMALL DOUBLE SIX DAIMLER - 3744 c.c. The car we tried was fitted with a coach built closed body and we should estimate the total weight as about 36 cwts. The engine was certainly smooth with an absence of torque reaction. It had no perceptible periods on the gears. It was however singularly lacking in 'pep'. The low speed M.E.P. of this engine cannot be good. Personally, we much preferred the performance of the 25-85 which we previously tried. The springing of the car was good for town conditions but far too flexible for any speed work. We understand that Daimlers have been having continuous troubles with their rear axles since they increased their engine power. Their Agents seem to think that the Company is in a deplorable condition due to the multiplicity of models and lack of attention to the chassis as opposed to the engine. STUTZ - 4800 c.c. This car has a displacement/ton mile of between 8 and 9 thousand litres so one expects a good performance. We tried a closed car. The top gear acceleration contd:- | ||