1996 Bentley Continental vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 1996 Bentley Continental is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Bentley Continental weights approximately 1017 kg more than 1974 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Bentley Continental (875 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 605 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3. 1996 Bentley Continental has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Bentley Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Bentley Continental | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Bentley | BMW |
| Model | Continental | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2700 mm |
