Bentley Speed Six

vs

Bentley 4.5 Litre

UK vs UK — 1929 vs 1927

Bentley Speed Six (1929)
Bentley 4.5 Litre (1927)
Specifications
Speed Six Le Mans Tourer4.5 Litre Le Mans
Horsepower180 hp110 hp
Torque280 lb-ft210 lb-ft
Engine Size6,597 cc4,398 cc
0-60 mph12.0 sec
Top Speed104 mph92 mph
¼ Mile18.5 sec
Weight4,145 lbs3,360 lbs
Wheelbase3,302 mm3,302 mm
Length4,700 mm4,420 mm
Units Produced545665
Original MSRP$6,500
Value (Excellent)$8,000,000$2,000,000
Collectibility10/1010/10
Rarity9/108/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer brings more power, higher top speed to the table, and the 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans answers with lighter weight, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Bentley has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer with the 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans 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 110 hp, a 70-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 4.5 Litre relies on a Inline-4 SOHC with 4,398 cc. The 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer claims a higher top speed at 104 mph compared to 92 mph. The Bentley 4.5 Litre carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 785 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer commands a significant premium over the 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.