2006 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
To start off, 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur (552 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 2006 BMW M3. (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur weights approximately 955 kg more than 2006 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur (650 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (370 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3. 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur | |
| Make | BMW | Bentley |
| Model | M3 | Continental Flying Spur |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 552 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 650 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 2525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5291 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1976 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1397 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2746 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
