UK vs UK — 1929 vs 1931
| Speed Six Le Mans Tourer | 8 Litre Standard Saloon | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 220 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,597 cc | 7,982 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.0 sec | 12.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 104 mph | 100 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.5 sec | — |
| Weight | 4,145 lbs | 5,401 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,302 mm | 3,658 mm |
| Length | 4,700 mm | 5,334 mm |
| Units Produced | 545 | 100 |
| Value (Excellent) | $8,000,000 | $2,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 10/10 |
This matchup is remarkably close. The 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer offers quicker acceleration, higher top speed, lighter weight, while the 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon counters with more power, greater rarity, better value. Neither holds a decisive advantage, making this a true enthusiast's dilemma. Your choice ultimately depends on which driving philosophy resonates more with you.
Within the Bentley stable, the 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer and 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon represent different approaches to performance and purpose. Both carry the Bentley badge, yet each carves out its own distinct identity. 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 Speed Six uses a Inline-6 SOHC displacing 6,597 cc, while the Bentley 8 Litre relies on a Inline-6 OHV with 7,982 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer edges ahead at 12.0 seconds versus 12.5 seconds. The Bentley Speed Six carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1256 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 100 units built, the 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon is considerably scarcer than the Bentley Speed Six's 545 examples. On the collector market, the 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer commands a significant premium over the 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.