2001 Bentley Continental vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Bentley Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Bentley Continental would be higher. At 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 2001 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 2001 Bentley Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3, 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, 2001 Bentley Continental (875 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 515 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2001 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2001 Bentley Continental has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 3 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 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Bentley | Mazda |
| Model | Continental | 3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 55 L |
