UK vs UK — 1926 vs 1985
| 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans | Turbo R Sport | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 385 hp |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft | 550 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,597 cc | 6,750 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 6.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 103 mph | 148 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 15.0 sec |
| Weight | 4,032 lbs | 5,181 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,505 mm | 3,061 mm |
| Length | 4,877 mm | 5,268 mm |
| Units Produced | 182 | 7,230 |
| Original MSRP | $9,000 | $190,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $8,000,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1926 Bentley 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1985 Bentley Turbo R Sport answers with more power, higher top speed, 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 1985 Bentley Turbo R Sport highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1985 Bentley Turbo R Sport holds a clear advantage in raw power with 385 hp compared to 180 hp, a 205-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 Turbo R relies on a V8 OHV Turbo with 6,750 cc. The 1985 Bentley Turbo R Sport claims a higher top speed at 148 mph compared to 103 mph. The Bentley 6.5 Litre carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1149 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 182 units built, the 1926 Bentley 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans is considerably scarcer than the Bentley Turbo R's 7,230 examples. On the collector market, the 1926 Bentley 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans commands a significant premium over the 1985 Bentley Turbo R Sport, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1926 Bentley 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.