UK vs UK — 1921 vs 1985
| 3 Litre | Turbo R Sport | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 80 hp | 385 hp |
| Torque | — | 550 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,996 cc | 6,750 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 6.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 80 mph | 148 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 15.0 sec |
| Weight | 3,024 lbs | 5,181 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,985 mm | 3,061 mm |
| Length | 4,267 mm | 5,268 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,622 | 7,230 |
| Original MSRP | — | $190,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,500,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1921 Bentley 3 Litre brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1985 Bentley Turbo R Sport answers with more power, higher top speed, 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 1921 Bentley 3 Litre with the 1985 Bentley Turbo R Sport highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1985 Bentley Turbo R Sport holds a clear advantage in raw power with 385 hp compared to 80 hp, a 305-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Bentley 3 Litre uses a Inline-4 SOHC displacing 2,996 cc, while the Bentley Turbo R relies on a V8 OHV Turbo with 6,750 cc. The 1985 Bentley Turbo R Sport claims a higher top speed at 148 mph compared to 80 mph. The Bentley 3 Litre carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 2157 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,622 units built, the 1921 Bentley 3 Litre is considerably scarcer than the Bentley Turbo R's 7,230 examples. On the collector market, the 1921 Bentley 3 Litre commands a significant premium over the 1985 Bentley Turbo R Sport, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1921 Bentley 3 Litre rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.