2008 Bentley Continental GT vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Bentley Continental GT is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat 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 567 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Bentley Continental GT should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Bentley Continental GT weights approximately 1178 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 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 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 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 640 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Bentley Continental GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 2008 Bentley Continental GT has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Bentley | Volkswagen |
| Model | Continental GT | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6000 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Type | W | in-line |
| Horse Power | 641 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2388 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1620 mm |
