Performance Review: Bentley Corniche 6.8 V8 Convertible - [1971]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Bentley Corniche Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Bentley Corniche 6.8 V8 Convertible is the 3 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 1971. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1971 Chevrolet Corvette C3 ZR2 Stingray 7.4 V8 Convertible and the 1971 Ford Mustang 351 5.8 V8 Convertible.This particular Bentley Corniche has a 6750cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The Corniche shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Corniche's Rear Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 2322 kgs (5119 lbs) this makes the Bentley Corniche 6.8 V8 Convertible in the same weight category as the 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Bentley Corniche shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 6750cc 16V V8 engine produces 217 bhp (161 kW) @ 4500 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (225 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 391 lb-ft (530.1 Nm) @ 2500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (369 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (369 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Bentley Corniche you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2001 Alfa-Romeo 147 TS Selespeed (118.4 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Bentley Corniche.

The Bentley Corniche has a Power to weight ratio of 93.4 bhp per ton and 168.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1971 Corniche competing with the 2001 Alfa-Romeo 147 TS Selespeed (118.4 bhp per ton) or the 1992 Ford Escort XR3i (118.3 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Bentley Corniche generating around 168.3 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type UK - Hawkeye (193.3 lb-ft per ton) or the 2014 Renault Megane RenaultSport 275 Trophy (193.3 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 10.60 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 11.0 secs, this made the Bentley Corniche 6.8 V8 Convertible as fast as the 2013 Renault Captur 1.2 Turbo TCe 120 EDC (10.60 secs) the 1974 Vauxhall-Opel Manta GT/E 1.9 8v (10.60 secs) the 1969 Ford Capri 2000 GT (10.60 secs) the or the 1968 Vauxhall-Opel GT 1900 (10.60 secs). This Bentley Corniche 6.8 V8 Convertible is also faster than the 1968 Vauxhall-Opel Viva GT 2.0L (10.70 secs) the 2002 Ford KA Street KA (10.80 secs) the 1984 Talbot Samba Rallye 1.2 (10.80 secs) the and the 1963 Ford Falcon 1st Gen Sports Hardtop 260 V8 4-Speed (10.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Corniche and the 2004 BMW 5 Series 535d M-Sport Saloon Auto E60

When talking about the performance of the Bentley Corniche on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 18.12 secs @ 75.5 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2004 BMW 5 Series 535d M-Sport Saloon Auto E60 (18.05 secs), the 2001 MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 (18.09 secs), and the 2006 Lotus Elise S (18.11 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1971 version of the Bentley Corniche 6.8 V8 Convertible has a maximum speed of 118mph.

Top Speed of the 1971 Corniche equals the 2022 Toyota Corolla GR 1.6 Turbo (129 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1971 Bentley Corniche 6.8 V8 Convertible then how about the 2022 Toyota Corolla GR 1.6 Turbo (129 mph), the 2019 Land-Rover Defender 110 3.0 Turbo (129 mph), or the 2009 Ford Fiesta ST185 (129 mph).

Related Links:

1971 Corniche Rivals List.

A Brief History of Bentley

Car Comparison