Von der Tann's speed, armour, and machinery

Von der Tann's quoted speed of 27.75 knots exceeded Invincible's 25 knots, while her thickest belt armour reached 9.8 inches against six inches. Four Parsons steam turbines supplied the power, linking the German ship's performance to British machinery. Schulz-Thornycroft boilers combined engineering ideas and precision manufacturing, although authors differ over how much credit each contribution deserves. One interpretation gives particular weight to Schulz's manufacturing quality, a factor that is difficult to reduce to a numerical comparison. Germany also needed large cruisers capable of supporting its smaller battle fleet. Limited overseas fuelling facilities and the prospect of breaking through British forces increased the importance of range and influenced the design.