Italy vs UK — 1939 vs 1926
| 6C 2500 Competizione | 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 145 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,443 cc | 6,597 cc |
| Top Speed | 124 mph | 103 mph |
| Weight | 2,094 lbs | 4,032 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 3,505 mm |
| Length | 4,300 mm | 4,877 mm |
| Units Produced | 4 | 182 |
| Original MSRP | — | $9,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $8,000,000 | $8,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione brings higher top speed, lighter weight, greater rarity to the table, and the 1926 Bentley 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans answers with more power, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Italy and UK automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione versus 1926 Bentley 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1926 Bentley 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans holds a clear advantage in raw power with 180 hp compared to 145 hp, a 35-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione uses a Inline-6 DOHC displacing 2,443 cc, while the Bentley 6.5 Litre relies on a Inline-6 SOHC with 6,597 cc. The 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione claims a higher top speed at 124 mph compared to 103 mph. The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1938 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 4 units built, the 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione is considerably scarcer than the Bentley 6.5 Litre's 182 examples.