2001 Bentley Continental vs. 1996 BMW 332
To start off, 2001 Bentley Continental is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 332. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 332 would be higher. At 6,746 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1996 BMW 332. (323 HP @ 7400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 332. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Bentley Continental weights approximately 890 kg more than 1996 BMW 332. 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, 2001 Bentley Continental (875 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 525 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 332. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2001 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 332. 2001 Bentley Continental has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 332 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 332 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Bentley Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Bentley Continental | 1996 BMW 332 | |
| Make | Bentley | BMW |
| Model | Continental | 332 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6746 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2710 mm |
