Bentley 4.5 Litre

vs

Bentley 3 Litre

UK vs UK — 1929 vs 1921

Bentley 4.5 Litre (1929)
Bentley 3 Litre (1921)
Specifications
4.5 Litre Blower3 Litre
Horsepower240 hp80 hp
Engine Size4,398 cc2,996 cc
Top Speed125 mph80 mph
Weight3,582 lbs3,024 lbs
Wheelbase3,302 mm2,985 mm
Length4,250 mm4,267 mm
Units Produced551,622
Value (Excellent)$10,000,000$1,500,000
Collectibility10/1010/10
Rarity10/108/10
The Verdict

This matchup is remarkably close. The 1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower offers more power, higher top speed, greater rarity, while the 1921 Bentley 3 Litre counters with lighter weight, better value. Neither holds a decisive advantage, making this a true enthusiast's dilemma. Your choice ultimately depends on which driving philosophy resonates more with you.

Overview

Within the Bentley stable, the 1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower and 1921 Bentley 3 Litre represent different approaches to performance and purpose. Both carry the Bentley badge, yet each carves out its own distinct identity. The 1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower holds a clear advantage in raw power with 240 hp compared to 80 hp, a 160-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Bentley 4.5 Litre uses a Inline-4 Supercharged displacing 4,398 cc, while the Bentley 3 Litre relies on a Inline-4 SOHC with 2,996 cc. The 1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower claims a higher top speed at 125 mph compared to 80 mph. The Bentley 3 Litre carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 558 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 55 units built, the 1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower is considerably scarcer than the Bentley 3 Litre's 1,622 examples. On the collector market, the 1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower commands a significant premium over the 1921 Bentley 3 Litre, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.