Bentley 8 Litre

vs

Bentley S2 Continental

UK vs United Kingdom — 1931 vs 1959

Bentley 8 Litre (1931)
Bentley S2 Continental (1959)
Specifications
8 Litre Standard SaloonS2 Continental Flying Spur by H.J. Mulliner
Horsepower220 hp200 hp
Torque460 lb-ft350 lb-ft
Engine Size7,982 cc6,230 cc
0-60 mph12.5 sec10.9 sec
Top Speed100 mph115 mph
Weight5,401 lbs4,400 lbs
Wheelbase3,658 mm3,124 mm
Length5,334 mm5,308 mm
Units Produced100388
Value (Excellent)$2,500,000$600,000
Collectibility10/109/10
Rarity10/108/10
The Verdict

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.

Overview

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.