1996 Bentley Continental vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 10 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 193 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Bentley Continental weights approximately 1022 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 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 664 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 1996 Bentley Continental has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda RX-8 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 | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Bentley | Mazda |
| Model | Continental | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.2 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 61 L |
