Germany vs UK — 1937 vs 1926
| 328 Roadster | 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 80 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 101 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,971 cc | 6,597 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.0 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 96 mph | 103 mph |
| Weight | 1,830 lbs | 4,032 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 3,505 mm |
| Length | 3,900 mm | 4,877 mm |
| Units Produced | 464 | 182 |
| Original MSRP | — | $9,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,500,000 | $8,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1937 BMW 328 Roadster brings lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 1926 Bentley 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans answers with more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Germany and UK automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1937 BMW 328 Roadster 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 80 hp, a 100-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the BMW 328 uses a Inline-6 OHV Cross-pushrod hemispherical 12V displacing 1,971 cc, while the Bentley 6.5 Litre relies on a Inline-6 SOHC with 6,597 cc. The 1926 Bentley 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans claims a higher top speed at 103 mph compared to 96 mph. The BMW 328 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 2202 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1926 Bentley 6.5 Litre Speed Six Le Mans commands a significant premium over the 1937 BMW 328 Roadster, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.