F3's machinery was about 1,550 tons heavier than Nelson's, while its armament was lighter by essentially the same amount. The practical choice was nine 16-inch guns and twelve 6-inch guns at about 23 knots versus nine 15-inch/50s and eight 6-inch guns at roughly 28.5 knots. The extra 5.5 knots are favored here for the strategic opportunities they would provide. The weights quantify the exchange, while the preference for speed depends on its expected strategic value.
Notable Point · 1:29:45-1:31:30
The final choice was 16-inch firepower or another 5.5 knots
The 1,550-ton exchange between armament and machinery frames the judgment between Nelson's heavier battery and F3's additional speed.