1996 Bentley Continental vs. 2004 BMW M3
To start off, 2004 BMW M3 is newer by 8 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 104 more horse power than 2004 BMW M3. (317 HP @ 7250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Bentley Continental weights approximately 675 kg more than 2004 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) has 520 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW M3. (355 Nm). This means 1996 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Bentley Continental | 2004 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Bentley | BMW |
| Model | Continental | M3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 3169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7250 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.2 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 91 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 63 L |
