1997 Bentley Continental vs. 2011 BMW X3
To start off, 2011 BMW X3 is newer by 14 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 165 more horse power than 2011 BMW X3. (256 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Bentley Continental weights approximately 575 kg more than 2011 BMW X3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Bentley Continental. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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 315 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW X3. (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Bentley Continental | 2011 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Bentley | BMW |
| Model | Continental | X3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3120 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 17.1 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 67 L |
