1998 BMW 317 vs. 2013 Bentley Continental
To start off, 2013 Bentley Continental is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 317. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 317 would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2013 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Bentley Continental (552 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 463 more horse power than 1998 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Bentley Continental weights approximately 1085 kg more than 1998 BMW 317. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Bentley Continental is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 BMW 317. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Bentley Continental 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, 2013 Bentley Continental (649 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 459 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 317. 2013 Bentley Continental has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 317 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 317 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Bentley Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 317 | 2013 Bentley Continental | |
| Make | BMW | Bentley |
| Model | 317 | Continental |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 552 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | FlexFuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 2440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2118 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1475 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3065 mm |
