UK vs UK — 1929 vs 1921
| Speed Six Le Mans Tourer | 3 Litre | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 80 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 6,597 cc | 2,996 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.0 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 104 mph | 80 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.5 sec | — |
| Weight | 4,145 lbs | 3,024 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,302 mm | 2,985 mm |
| Length | 4,700 mm | 4,267 mm |
| Units Produced | 545 | 1,622 |
| Value (Excellent) | $8,000,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer brings more power, higher top speed, greater rarity to the table, and the 1921 Bentley 3 Litre answers with lighter weight, 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 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer with the 1921 Bentley 3 Litre highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer 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 Bentley Speed Six uses a Inline-6 SOHC displacing 6,597 cc, while the Bentley 3 Litre relies on a Inline-4 SOHC with 2,996 cc. The 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer claims a higher top speed at 104 mph compared to 80 mph. The Bentley 3 Litre carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1121 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer commands a significant premium over the 1921 Bentley 3 Litre, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.