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Which is the quicker Herald between a 948 saloon and 1200 estate?

Posted By : Stephen Coates, 01-Aug-2007, 08:53am

Don't take this thread too seriously, I have always thought that the 948 saloon was the slowest Herald in overall performance.
However I recently saw some figures that suggest that it may be a close run thing between the 948 saloon and the 1200 estate.
I realise that neither is going to set the tarmac alight but I am just curious.

Steve

Followups :

Which is the quicker Herald between a 948 saloon and 1200 estate?

Posted By : Aaron Tucker, 01-Aug-2007, 09:16am

how many people in each car?
Which is the quicker Herald between a 948 saloon and 1200 estate?

Posted By : Chris Taylor, 01-Aug-2007, 09:28am

Depends on which 1200 engine the estate has! Early ones were 39bhp, later ones 48bhp, both compared to 34bhp for the standard 948cc. But the 948 twin carb saloon had 45bhp. They all had varying torque figures, (1200s being significantly higher in all specs) and different back axles ratios; this will affect both top speed and acceleration in varying amounts over different speed ranges, so there is probably no single answer to the question!!
In practical terms, I would expect even the early 1200 to be slightly quicker overall, unless loaded to the roof!!
- Which is the quicker Herald between a 948 saloon and 1200 estate?
  
  Posted By : Leon Guyot, 01-Aug-2007, 08:29pm
  
  I have driven both and think I can say that:
  
  Due to the very high back axle ratio, the 948 will probably accelerate faster, but as far as top speed goes, the 1200 will beat it.
  
  948's were not wonderful on motorways, but are great town cars.
  
  L
  - Which is the quicker Herald between a 948 saloon and 1200 estate?
    
    Posted By : Mark Hammond, 01-Aug-2007, 08:33pm
    
    Isn't the rear axle ratio LOWER on a 948 saloon, than a 1200?
    
    Mark
    - Which is the quicker Herald between a 948 saloon and 1200 estate?
      
      Posted By : Chris Taylor, 01-Aug-2007, 11:29pm
      
      Numerically higher ratio, lower road speed for a given engine speed. 948cc Heralds were 4.875:1 giving about 13mph/1000rpm, 948 twin carb (coupe, convertible and some saloons) were 4.55:1 for about 14mph/1000rpm (same as a Marina Van!!) All 1200s were 4.11:1 for about 16mph/1000rpm, all in top gear with no overdrive. The 948 gearbox intermediate ratios were also somewhat higher (numerically) than the 1200. It was no exaggeration for original roadtests to comment that the 948 Herald could usually start from rest in 2nd gear, 1st only being essential for steeper hills. The bigger change in the 1200 (at least in its original tune) was more torque rather than dramatically increased horsepower. This would give a more relaxed and "useable" performance in everyday driving.