Performance Review: Bentley S 3 - [1962]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Bentley S Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Bentley S 3 is the 4 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 1962. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1962 Chevrolet Corvette C1 327 V8 and the 1963 Ferrari 275 GTB 3.3 V12.This particular Bentley S has a 6231cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

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

The S 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 S'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 2108 kgs (4647 lbs) this makes the Bentley S 3 in the same weight category as the 2020 BMW X4 M40d 3.0 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Bentley S shares the same bhp with the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (177 bhp)

In terms of power the 6231cc 16V V8 engine produces 197 bhp (146 kW) @ 4500 rpm similar to the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (177 bhp) or the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (197 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 332 lb-ft (450.1 Nm) @ 2500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Porsche Boxster Spyder RS 4.0 982 (332 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Bentley S 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 S.

The Bentley S has a Power to weight ratio of 93.4 bhp per ton and 157.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1962 S 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 S generating around 157.4 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 1994 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo II (182.4 lb-ft per ton) or the 1998 Bentley Arnage 4.4 V8 (182.4 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 12.60 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 13.0 secs, this made the Bentley S 3 as fast as the 1974 Alfa-Romeo Alfasud 1.2 Sprint Ti (12.80 secs) the 1953 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 (12.80 secs) the 1949 Jensen Interceptor 4.0 12v Cabriolet (12.90 secs) the or the 1962 BMW 3200 CS Coupe (13.20 secs). This Bentley S 3 is also faster than the 1974 Alfa-Romeo Alfasud 1.2 Sprint Ti (12.80 secs) the 1953 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 (12.80 secs) the 1949 Jensen Interceptor 4.0 12v Cabriolet (12.90 secs) the and the 1962 BMW 3200 CS Coupe (13.20 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the S and the 2001 MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160

When talking about the performance of the Bentley S on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 18.14 secs @ 75.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2001 MG ZR 1.8i VVC 160 (18.09 secs), the 2006 Lotus Elise S (18.11 secs), and the 1992 Volkswagen-VW Vento 2.8 VR6 (18.11 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1962 version of the Bentley S 3 has a maximum speed of 109mph.

Top Speed of the 1962 S equals the 2009 KIA Borrego 4.6 V8 AWD (120 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1962 Bentley S 3 then how about the 2009 KIA Borrego 4.6 V8 AWD (120 mph), the 2008 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S (120 mph), or the 2006 Pontiac Solstice Coupe 2.4 16V (120 mph).

Related Links:

1962 S Rivals List.

A Brief History of Bentley

Car Comparison