2001 Bentley Continental vs. 2006 BMW M3
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Bentley Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Bentley Continental would be higher. At 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2006 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Bentley Continental weights approximately 905 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.
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, 2001 Bentley Continental (875 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 510 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2001 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3. 2001 Bentley Continental 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. 2001 Bentley Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Bentley Continental | 2006 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Bentley | BMW |
| Model | Continental | M3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.2 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2454 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 63 L |
