1996 Bentley Continental vs. 2001 BMW 318
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Bentley Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Bentley Continental 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 280 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Bentley Continental weights approximately 1022 kg more than 2001 BMW 318. 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 675 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Bentley Continental | 2001 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Bentley | BMW |
| Model | Continental | 318 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 63 L |
