(Cross-posted from cstheory-stackexchange)

The following fact seems to be used implicitly in cs theory, particularly algorithms. Given a RAM machine $M$ running in time $O(f(n))$, another RAM machine $M′$ can simulate $M$ in time $O(f(n))$. This differs from the case for Turing machines, where $M′$ may require $O(f(n) \log(f(n))$ time.

I say this is often used implicitly because many papers will simply say something like "run $M$, but keep track of certain auxiliary information as you do so". This is really simulating $M$, but for RAM machines the distinction is not so important because running times are not (asymptotically) affected.

Is there a reference for this theorem? I am summarizing the situation correctly?

(Cross-posted from cstheory-stackexchange)

The following fact seems to be used implicitly in cs theory, particularly algorithms. Given a RAM machine $M$ running in time $O(f(n))$, another RAM machine $M′$ can simulate $M$ in time $O(f(n))$. This differs from the case for Turing machines, where $M′$ may require $O(f(n) \log(f(n))$ time.

I say this is often used implicitly because many papers will simply say something like "run $M$, but keep track of certain auxiliary information as you do so". This is really simulating $M$, but for RAM machines the distinction is not so important because running times are not (asymptotically) affected.

Is there a reference for this theorem? I am summarizing the situation correctly?

EDIT:

Some questions were raised about what is meant by simulation. More precisely, that there exists a universal RAM $T$ such that, for any RAM machine $M(x)$ running in time $O(f(|x|))$, there is an encoding $e_M$ such that $T(e_m, x) = M(x)$ and $T(e_m, x)$ runs in time $O(f(|x|))$ as well. (The constant term may be different between $T$ and $M$).