2003 Bentley Continental vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Bentley Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Bentley Continental would be higher. At 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Bentley Continental weights approximately 755 kg more than 2012 BMW 520. 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, 2003 Bentley Continental (876 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 496 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2003 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Bentley Continental | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Bentley | BMW |
| Model | Continental | 520 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 876 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |
