UK vs UK — 1936 vs 1927
| SS100 3.5 Litre | 4.5 Litre Le Mans | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 125 hp | 110 hp |
| Torque | 175 lb-ft | 210 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,485 cc | 4,398 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.4 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 92 mph |
| Weight | 2,464 lbs | 3,360 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,692 mm | 3,302 mm |
| Length | 3,962 mm | 4,420 mm |
| Units Produced | 314 | 665 |
| Original MSRP | — | $6,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $800,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 8/10 |
On balance, the 1936 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre makes a stronger case on paper with more power, higher top speed, lighter weight. However, the 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans counters with its own distinct appeal, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1936 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre for outright capability, or the 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans for a more distinctive ownership experience.
In the world of Sports Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1936 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre versus the 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans. Both hail from Pre-war and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1936 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre producing 125 hp and the 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans delivering 110 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Jaguar SS100 uses a Inline-6 OHV displacing 3,485 cc, while the Bentley 4.5 Litre relies on a Inline-4 SOHC with 4,398 cc. The 1936 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre claims a higher top speed at 100 mph compared to 92 mph. The Jaguar SS100 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 896 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.