1996 Bentley Continental vs. 1990 BMW M3
To start off, 1996 Bentley Continental is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 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 183 more horse power than 1990 BMW M3. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Bentley Continental weights approximately 1250 kg more than 1990 BMW M3. 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 635 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1996 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3. 1996 Bentley Continental has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW M3 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 | 1990 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Bentley | BMW |
| Model | Continental | M3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 2467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.2 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 62 L |
