UK vs UK — 1929 vs 1985
| Speed Six Le Mans Tourer | Turbo R Sport | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 385 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 550 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,597 cc | 6,750 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.0 sec | 6.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 104 mph | 148 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.5 sec | 15.0 sec |
| Weight | 4,145 lbs | 5,181 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,302 mm | 3,061 mm |
| Length | 4,700 mm | 5,268 mm |
| Units Produced | 545 | 7,230 |
| Original MSRP | — | $190,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $8,000,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1985 Bentley Turbo R Sport answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. 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 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer 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 180 hp, a 205-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 Turbo R relies on a V8 OHV Turbo with 6,750 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1985 Bentley Turbo R Sport edges ahead at 6.7 seconds versus 12.0 seconds. The Bentley Speed Six carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1036 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 545 units built, the 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer is considerably scarcer than the Bentley Turbo R's 7,230 examples. On the collector market, the 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer commands a significant premium over the 1985 Bentley Turbo R Sport, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1929 Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Tourer rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.