Rolls-Royce Corniche

vs

Rolls-Royce Dawn

UK vs UK — 1971 vs 2015

Rolls-Royce Corniche (1971)
Rolls-Royce Dawn (2015)
Specifications
Corniche ConvertibleDawn Black Badge
Horsepower240 hp593 hp
Torque361 lb-ft620 lb-ft
Engine Size6,750 cc6,592 cc
0-60 mph9.6 sec4.8 sec
Top Speed120 mph155 mph
¼ Mile17.0 sec13.0 sec
Weight5,644 lbs
Wheelbase3,060 mm3,112 mm
Length5,270 mm5,285 mm
Units Produced4,200
Original MSRP$356,500
Value (Excellent)$200,000$380,000
Collectibility5/107/10
Rarity7/106/10
The Verdict

The 2015 Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1971 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible counters with better value, 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.

Overview

The 1971 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible and 2015 Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge share a manufacturer in Rolls-Royce, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Rolls-Royce brand. The 2015 Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge holds a clear advantage in raw power with 593 hp compared to 240 hp, a 353-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Rolls-Royce Corniche uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 6,750 cc, while the Rolls-Royce Dawn relies on a V12 Twin-Turbo with 6,592 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2015 Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge edges ahead at 4.8 seconds versus 9.6 seconds. On the collector market, the 2015 Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge commands a significant premium over the 1971 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 2015 Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.