UK vs UK — 1926 vs 1931
| 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans | 8 Litre Standard Saloon | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 220 hp |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,597 cc | 7,982 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 12.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 103 mph | 100 mph |
| Weight | 4,032 lbs | 5,401 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,505 mm | 3,658 mm |
| Length | 4,877 mm | 5,334 mm |
| Units Produced | 182 | 100 |
| Original MSRP | $9,000 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $8,000,000 | $2,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1926 Bentley 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans brings higher top speed, lighter weight to the table, and the 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon answers with more power, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Bentley has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1926 Bentley 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans with the 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon holds a clear advantage in raw power with 220 hp compared to 180 hp, a 40-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Bentley 6.5 Litre uses a Inline-6 SOHC displacing 6,597 cc, while the Bentley 8 Litre relies on a Inline-6 OHV with 7,982 cc. The 1926 Bentley 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans claims a higher top speed at 103 mph compared to 100 mph. The Bentley 6.5 Litre carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1369 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1926 Bentley 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans commands a significant premium over the 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.