2003 Bentley Continental vs. 2012 BMW M5
To start off, 2012 BMW M5 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, 2012 BMW M5 (560 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 2003 Bentley Continental. (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2003 Bentley Continental.
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 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW M5. (680 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2003 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Bentley Continental | 2012 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Bentley | BMW |
| Model | Continental | M5 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 560 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 876 Nm | 680 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1455 mm |
