UK vs UK — 1927 vs 1938
| 4.5 Litre Le Mans | SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 110 hp | 125 hp |
| Torque | 210 lb-ft | 170 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,398 cc | 3,485 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 10.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 92 mph | 100 mph |
| Weight | 3,360 lbs | 2,632 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,302 mm | 2,667 mm |
| Length | 4,420 mm | 3,962 mm |
| Units Produced | 665 | 118 |
| Original MSRP | $6,500 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $2,000,000 | $750,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 9/10 |
The 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, higher top speed, lighter weight. The 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans counters with its unique character, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Among Sports Car enthusiasts, the matchup between the 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans and 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster is one for the ages. These Pre-war machines competed directly for buyers' attention and continue to vie for collectors' affections today. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans producing 110 hp and the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster delivering 125 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Bentley 4.5 Litre uses a Inline-4 SOHC displacing 4,398 cc, while the Jaguar SS100 relies on a Inline-6 OHV with 3,485 cc. The 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster claims a higher top speed at 100 mph compared to 92 mph. The Jaguar SS100 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 728 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 118 units built, the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster is considerably scarcer than the Bentley 4.5 Litre's 665 examples.