UK vs United Kingdom — 1931 vs 1959
| 8 Litre Standard Saloon | S2 Continental Flying Spur by H.J. Mulliner | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 220 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 460 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,982 cc | 6,230 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.5 sec | 10.9 sec |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 115 mph |
| Weight | 5,401 lbs | 4,400 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,658 mm | 3,124 mm |
| Length | 5,334 mm | 5,308 mm |
| Units Produced | 100 | 388 |
| Value (Excellent) | $2,500,000 | $600,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 8/10 |
Numbers favor the 1959 Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur by H.J. Mulliner with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, lighter weight. The 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon offers greater rarity, stronger collectibility, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Bentley has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon with the 1959 Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur by H.J. Mulliner highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon holds a clear advantage in raw power with 220 hp compared to 200 hp, a 20-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Bentley 8 Litre uses a Inline-6 OHV displacing 7,982 cc, while the Bentley S2 Continental relies on a V8 OHV with 6,230 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1959 Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur by H.J. Mulliner edges ahead at 10.9 seconds versus 12.5 seconds. The Bentley S2 Continental carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1001 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 100 units built, the 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon is considerably scarcer than the Bentley S2 Continental's 388 examples. On the collector market, the 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon commands a significant premium over the 1959 Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur by H.J. Mulliner, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.