Ferrari vs. Bentley
Founder
Year Founded
Year of First Vehicle Produced
Headquarters
Formula 1 Constructors’ Championships (as of 2019)
Bentley and Ferrari are two storied names in the automotive world, both with roots in racing. But while Ferrari has continued to embrace its racing heritage throughout its history, Bentley abandoned it early in its life. These divergent focuses are apparent when you drive vehicles from either automaker.
Heritage
Ferrari’s heritage is based in the racing world, and it shows in the performance of every vehicle that bears the Prancing Horse badge. Having begun in 1929 as Scuderia Ferrari, then the racing division of Alfa Romeo, Ferrari’s modern history began in 1947 when it struck out on its own with the production of its first vehicle, the 125 S. This was truly the beginning of something special, as Ferrari began turning out instant classics at every turn, with a stable of supercars and hypercars that consistently dominate the road and track and expand the range of what is possible for a car to achieve. It’s not surprising, then, that Ferrari vehicles are some of the most desirable in the world, and that the automaker has accumulated 16 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championships among numerous other accolades.
Bentley’s story is a bit different — there’s racing heritage there, but the brand left it behind. Bentley experience tremendous racing success early in its life, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929, and 1930 – and then, puzzlingly, leaving the racing world entirely after their final victory. While Bentley never entirely abandoned performance aspirations, its focus turned instead to providing creature comforts first and foremost. Bentley’s abandonment of racing early in its life is unfortunately apparent when you look at the capabilities of their vehicles.
Performance
The performance difference is noticeable the minute you step on the gas of any Ferrari or Bentley:
- Ferrari Portofino vs. Bentley Continental GT: The Portofino can jump from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, while it takes the Continental GT 3.7 seconds to reach 60 mph.
- Ferrari Roma vs. Bentley Continental: The Roma can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, while the Continental takes 3.9 seconds to reach 60 mph.
So Which is Better: Bentley or Ferrari?
Ferrari is focused on performance, while Bentley is more concerned with creature comforts. This is not to say that Ferrari neglects luxury features, though — quite the opposite. But first and foremost, the Prancing Horse is concerned with the capability of the vehicle, the synthesis of the driver and the car to push the limits on the track and provide an inimitable experience no matter where you’re driving.
You’ll be comfortable in both a Bentley and a Ferrari, but only one automaker pushes boundaries so consistently, and that’s Ferrari.
Acquire a Ferrari of Your Own With Continental AutoSports Ferrari
Any comparison of Bentley and Ferrari is theoretical until you place your hands on the steering wheel of a Prancing Horse — and we’re here to help you do that! We’ll be happy to facilitate the purchase or lease of a new or pre-driven Ferrari, even if you’re in Milwaukee or Indianapolis. From our Chicago-area dealership, we can help you acquire your own Prancing Horse anywhere in the United States. Contact us today to get started.
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