1999 Bentley Continental vs. 1996 BMW M3
To start off, 1999 Bentley Continental is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Bentley Continental (422 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1996 BMW M3. (326 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Bentley Continental weights approximately 862 kg more than 1996 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, 1999 Bentley Continental (875 Nm) has 570 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (305 Nm). This means 1999 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3. 1999 Bentley Continental has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Bentley Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Bentley Continental | 1996 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Bentley | BMW |
| Model | Continental | M3 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 3001 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 422 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.2 mm | 86.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1588 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2730 mm |
