[page2067]

What may give the impression of slow for swerves (4 wheel independent) is what happens when rotation and translation (spin and strafe) actions are combined. Here each motor is going at a different direction and speed - the fastest motor is at the limit - the other are less - net result is a slower translation motion. But, If you drive pure translation (all 4 motors at their limit speed) and no rotation you go faster.
(You can see this effect if you use Cory's 2067 swerve simulation shown on a different thread)

A second consideration is most swerves are not shifters - so you will typically see in the 10 - 14 fps range. We were around 12 fps which was actually faster than we have been before (with tank, and were at ~10 fps in our development swerve off-season robot). Tank shifters will often have high speeds at 14 - 18 fps (true speeds) (there are shifting swerves out there though).

Thirdly most are 4 CIMs - compared with the ease (now) of implementing 6 CIM shifting tank drives - will typically show less acceleration for a given gear ratio.

On the other hand a swerves ability to directly go in the direction desired and to spin around a defender can speed up getting from A to B.

I believe the open field this year favored faster. NE, I believe, has traditionally run slower with more emphasis on defense/pushing. I think this year CA taught us that fast and maneuverable was the way to go - though with 6 CIM shifters to maintain pushing capability.

As some have posted, in 2013 on a "shorter" field, 610 showed a conservative 10-11 fps cycler that was "Faster" than most. Going with single speed 6 CIM drive has advantages for simplicity; mechanical and driving, and low weight.

In the end you may be perceiving a swerve to go slower but if applied (correct gear ratio(s) used, and reliable) and driven well can be more efficient and "faster" in executing its goals.

Anyone seeing 1717 in 2012 would say they were clearly the fastest (IMO) in collecting balls and shooting reliably, though you watch there slalom video and would say they looked slow.