UK vs UK — 1927 vs 1931
| 4.5 Litre Le Mans | 8 Litre Standard Saloon | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 110 hp | 220 hp |
| Torque | 210 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,398 cc | 7,982 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 12.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 92 mph | 100 mph |
| Weight | 3,360 lbs | 5,401 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,302 mm | 3,658 mm |
| Length | 4,420 mm | 5,334 mm |
| Units Produced | 665 | 100 |
| Original MSRP | $6,500 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $2,000,000 | $2,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans brings lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon answers with more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. 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 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans with the 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon holds a clear advantage in raw power with 220 hp compared to 110 hp, a 110-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Bentley 4.5 Litre uses a Inline-4 SOHC displacing 4,398 cc, while the Bentley 8 Litre relies on a Inline-6 OHV with 7,982 cc. The 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon claims a higher top speed at 100 mph compared to 92 mph. The Bentley 4.5 Litre carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 2041 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 100 units built, the 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Standard Saloon is considerably scarcer than the Bentley 4.5 Litre's 665 examples.