2001 Bentley Continental vs. 1997 BMW S3
To start off, 2001 Bentley Continental is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW S3 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 161 more horse power than 1997 BMW S3. (260 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW S3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Bentley Continental weights approximately 1082 kg more than 1997 BMW S3. 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) has 545 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW S3. (330 Nm). This means 2001 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW S3. 2001 Bentley Continental has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW S3 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 | 1997 BMW S3 | |
| Make | Bentley | BMW |
| Model | Continental | S3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| 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 | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 258 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2710 mm |
