UK vs UK — 1921 vs 1929
| 3 Litre | International Le Mans | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 80 hp | 70 hp |
| Torque | — | 77 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,996 cc | 1,495 cc |
| Top Speed | 80 mph | 90 mph |
| Weight | 3,024 lbs | 1,905 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,985 mm | 2,591 mm |
| Length | 4,267 mm | 3,962 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,622 | 130 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,500,000 | $900,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1921 Bentley 3 Litre brings more power, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1929 Aston Martin International Le Mans answers with higher top speed, lighter weight, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
In the world of Sports Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1921 Bentley 3 Litre versus the 1929 Aston Martin International 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 1921 Bentley 3 Litre producing 80 hp and the 1929 Aston Martin International Le Mans delivering 70 hp. The 1929 Aston Martin International Le Mans claims a higher top speed at 90 mph compared to 80 mph. The Aston Martin International carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1119 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 130 units built, the 1929 Aston Martin International Le Mans is considerably scarcer than the Bentley 3 Litre's 1,622 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.