2008 Bentley Continental GT vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 2008 Bentley Continental GT is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 6,000 cc, 2008 Bentley Continental GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Bentley Continental GT (641 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 461 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Bentley Continental GT should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Bentley Continental GT weights approximately 1008 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Bentley Continental GT is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Bentley Continental GT 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, 2008 Bentley Continental GT (780 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 525 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Bentley Continental GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2008 Bentley Continental GT has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Bentley Continental GT will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Bentley Continental GT | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Bentley | BMW |
| Model | Continental GT | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6000 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Type | W | in-line |
| Horse Power | 641 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 329 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2388 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2670 mm |
