2001 Acura RL vs. 1997 Bentley Continental
To start off, 2001 Acura RL is newer by 4 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 216 more horse power than 2001 Acura RL. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 2001 Acura RL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Bentley Continental weights approximately 775 kg more than 2001 Acura RL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Bentley Continental is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Bentley Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 571 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Acura RL. (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Acura RL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura RL | 1997 Bentley Continental | |
| Make | Acura | Bentley |
| Model | RL | Continental |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 6750 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 421 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 875 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 104.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 99.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 2450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2060 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 3120 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 100 L |
