Wolseley 18 h.p v. Cooper S

Sir,

The comparison of Citroën GS/Lanchester LD10 made by your correspondent Mr. R. W. Ramage was most interesting Some months ago I exchanged a 1971 Morris Cooper S for a 1947 Wolseley 18 h.p., my only regret being that I had not done it earlier. Whilst the Wolseley is not a good car, as the Lanchester is, a comparison of Cooper and Wolseley is useful.

1. Safety.—The sedate style of driving in the Wolseley lends itself to safety. This is borne out by insurance premiums. Further the driver of the Wolseley is able to see over tars in front, whereas Mini drivers usually have to guess what is happening up front.

2. Gearbox.—The gearchange of the Wolseley is vastly superior to the Cooper.

3. Economy.—Although the Wolseley drinks 75% more petrol, if capital cost and lack of depreciation are taken into account the Wolseley is cheaper to run. One had point against the Wolseley is that both cars’ fuel tanks accept no more than 10 gallons.

4. Suspension.—It seems reasonable to say that suspensions on both cars equate well to their respective performances. However, the Cooper’s hydrolastic tends to induce car-sickness to passengers. Also the ground clearance of the Cooper is quite insufficient for the rough roads of this country.

5. Comfort.—The Wolseley seats five in comfort and the Cooper seats four in discomfort. It is possible to drive long distances in the Wolseley and feel little fatigue. The opening windscreen of the Wolseley is appreciated in this warm climate. Also the leather scats of the Wolseley do not induce perspiration, unlike the plastic seats of the Cooper.

6. Maintenance.—The Wolseley is far easier to service; indeed it is possible to crawl underneath without resource to jacks, and longevity is aided by a plentiful supply of grease nipples.

At a mileage of 20,000 p.a., most of it on business, my comfort is paramount. To my way of thinking the disadvantages of the Wolseley are heavily outweighed by the advantages. Like your correspondent I am not prepared to spend three times as much money on a new car, and still have an indifferent car. Incidentally, to keep a sense of proportion, I enjoy getting out of the Wolseley and driving my 1929 Morris Cowley. The latter car, in comparison, is a delightful small car.

Cremorne, NSW J. M. Loveridge