UK vs UK — 1929 vs 1952
| Speed Six Le Mans Tourer | R-Type Continental Fastback by H.J. Mulliner | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 153 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 245 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,597 cc | 4,566 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.0 sec | 13.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 104 mph | 117 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.5 sec | — |
| Weight | 4,145 lbs | 3,558 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,302 mm | 3,048 mm |
| Length | 4,700 mm | 5,258 mm |
| Units Produced | 545 | 208 |
| Value (Excellent) | $8,000,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 9/10 |
Numbers favor the 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback by H.J. Mulliner with higher top speed, lighter weight, greater rarity. The 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer offers more power, quicker acceleration, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Bentley has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer with the 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback by H.J. Mulliner 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 153 hp, a 27-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 R-Type Continental relies on a Inline-6 OHV (F-Head) with 4,566 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer edges ahead at 12.0 seconds versus 13.5 seconds. The Bentley R-Type Continental carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 587 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.