1997 Bentley Continental vs. 2000 BMW 316
To start off, 2000 BMW 316 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Bentley Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Bentley Continental would be higher. At 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 308 more horse power than 2000 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Bentley Continental weights approximately 1052 kg more than 2000 BMW 316. 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, 1997 Bentley Continental (875 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 700 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Bentley Continental | 2000 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Bentley | BMW |
| Model | Continental | 316 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3120 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 17.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 63 L |
