Bentley Continental

Author
Discussion

irdan87

Original Poster:

122 posts

91 months

Monday 27th July 2020
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Hi guys,

Possibly moving over from Lambo.

Interested in these 2 motors;

https://www.sytner.co.uk/car-search/11259363-13430...

and

https://www.sytner.co.uk/car-search/11210467-13408...

New to the Bentley brand. I only do about 5k miles a year mainly stop/start round town to commute to work but want something usable year round with back seats for my little man on the odd day out.

What would you go for and if you could in a bit of detail, why?

Thanks

gary71

1,967 posts

180 months

Monday 27th July 2020
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I’ve driven both extensively, I’d take the V8S everyday.

The W12 has the ultimate power and the ability to make you laugh out loud with its acceleration at any speed, but for the driving you describe the characterful burble of the V8 at low speed makes you smile in a different way.
And by any normal measure it’s plenty fast enough and the steering and response is a little better.

Ultimately try both and see which makes you smile more, but drive them where you will normally as if you take them on an open road and open the W12 up it may overpower rational thoughts with power.

Great buys either way.

memzy88

90 posts

90 months

Monday 27th July 2020
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I have had 2 GT Speeds and i have enjoyed both very much. After i sold the 1st one i was quite determined i would get V8S after all the positive reviews on the press and everyone saying its better car. I found the perfect spec and took it for test drive but didn't like it. Yes it is fast enough, it is lighter, better handling, more efficient and it sounds great but none of these attributes were the reason i was looking for 2nd Bentley. Normal W12 i didn't like at all. But the Speed is different league.

GT Speed is just monster brutal like nothing else and it is very unique and special. It also has more power and torque and delivery is again so special and unusual. I still remember the heat coming under the car in summer London traffic with bulky hulk noise on sport mode and it makes me smile writing this. You just know you are in something different, big, powerful, monster. That combined with the build quality was the unique experience for me.

Mine was just like the one the link inside out full black and in this spec for me it had attitude. It wasnt the classy elegant looks that some associate with the brand or with the other models in the range. I was running it alongside full black range rover and i really liked them fitted what i wanted at the time.

It depends what you want and like you wont be disappointed with either choice. About the 2 cars in the link other than engines think about the spec too. V8s spec will look more subtle, smooth and elegant. I was under 30 years old when i bough it so was looking specifically full black. Ohh if MPG is important i would say at least %25 - %30 percent difference,

I have later decided i wanted something a bit more sporty and playful replaced it with Aston DB11 V12. Again had the dilemma V8 or V12 after all press reviews saying v8 and i have gone with the V12...due exact the same feelings with Bentley V8 vs W12

If i wanted the best precision, perfect handling, etc i would have gone for Porsche 911. I believe the reason why engines like W12, V12 still exists is because what they offer.





Edited by memzy88 on Monday 27th July 23:08

irdan87

Original Poster:

122 posts

91 months

Tuesday 28th July 2020
quotequote all
memzy88 said:
I have had 2 GT Speeds and i have enjoyed both very much. After i sold the 1st one i was quite determined i would get V8S after all the positive reviews on the press and everyone saying its better car. I found the perfect spec and took it for test drive but didn't like it. Yes it is fast enough, it is lighter, better handling, more efficient and it sounds great but none of these attributes were the reason i was looking for 2nd Bentley. Normal W12 i didn't like at all. But the Speed is different league.

GT Speed is just monster brutal like nothing else and it is very unique and special. It also has more power and torque and delivery is again so special and unusual. I still remember the heat coming under the car in summer London traffic with bulky hulk noise on sport mode and it makes me smile writing this. You just know you are in something different, big, powerful, monster. That combined with the build quality was the unique experience for me.

Mine was just like the one the link inside out full black and in this spec for me it had attitude. It wasnt the classy elegant looks that some associate with the brand or with the other models in the range. I was running it alongside full black range rover and i really liked them fitted what i wanted at the time.

It depends what you want and like you wont be disappointed with either choice. About the 2 cars in the link other than engines think about the spec too. V8s spec will look more subtle, smooth and elegant. I was under 30 years old when i bough it so was looking specifically full black. Ohh if MPG is important i would say at least %25 - %30 percent difference,

I have later decided i wanted something a bit more sporty and playful replaced it with Aston DB11 V12. Again had the dilemma V8 or V12 after all press reviews saying v8 and i have gone with the V12...due exact the same feelings with Bentley V8 vs W12

If i wanted the best precision, perfect handling, etc i would have gone for Porsche 911. I believe the reason why engines like W12, V12 still exists is because what they offer.





Edited by memzy88 on Monday 27th July 23:08
Hi mate, that sounds great thanks.

Obviously coming from a Lambo I like a bit of speed and noise but I think the w12 SPEED would satisfy me the most. Waiting on a call shortly from Bentley to try get the deal over the line. We are close.

Whats the noise like on the w12?

I looked at aston db11, 911 and Bentleys as I have a 2 year old and back seats were essential aswell as year round usability and no winter storage. I only potter around town commuting and the odd drive out so the mpg isn't important for 4-6000 mls per year.

I'll youtube some sound videos. I've drove a 2017 supersport and it was incredible power; is the w12 similar?


jeyjey

220 posts

98 months

Tuesday 28th July 2020
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The Aston would have by far the best noise. (I actually drive my Arnage more, but the Vanquish puts a bigger smile on my face.)

ted 191

1,419 posts

226 months

Tuesday 28th July 2020
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irdan87 said:
Hi mate, that sounds great thanks.

Obviously coming from a Lambo I like a bit of speed and noise but I think the w12 SPEED would satisfy me the most. Waiting on a call shortly from Bentley to try get the deal over the line. We are close.

Whats the noise like on the w12?

I looked at aston db11, 911 and Bentleys as I have a 2 year old and back seats were essential aswell as year round usability and no winter storage. I only potter around town commuting and the odd drive out so the mpg isn't important for 4-6000 mls per year.

I'll youtube some sound videos. I've drove a 2017 supersport and it was incredible power; is the w12 similar?
Remove the secondary cats from the speed and they sound awesome, I’ve had a speed and wifey a V8S cab, both very capable cars bur the speed is definitely the better car, on a long run there wasn’t much difference in fuel consumption.

memzy88

90 posts

90 months

Tuesday 28th July 2020
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Both 911 and DB11 have useless rear seats even for kids very hard to get in/out. Conti rear seats are ok for kids or even adults for short journey but definitely usable. Much bigger usable boot too.

I drove Supersports for about 15-20mins its more hardcore when you are on it and sounds louder too but day to day i would pick the Speed. Its %10 percent down on power but the pulling power the Speed will not leave you wanting more and will not feel slower.

Daily wise I spend most of my time in London so traffic, mountain speed bumps, 6'6 narrow streets, multi story car parks and all sorts of things to make these type cars to be used daily but i am finding DB11 easiest to live with. It has excellent suspension on GT mode, good ground clearance, good turning circle, and the cameras that shows the all 4 wheels makes it easier for kerb site parking or narrow car parks, tight turns etc. I wasnt planning using DB11 daily but after the first few month i owned it is now my only car. They also come with 5 year service pack so that handy too. And v12 also sounds best.

Conti turning circle wasn't as good probably due to 4WD was stressful to navigate and park through tight car parks. But is more comfortable not because of suspension but due to seats, cabin, higher seating positions and offer better all around usability.

First time ever 992 911s catching my eye but prev gen 911s was not my cup of tea. Unless its the Turbo/Turbo S they are too skinny, small engine, lot of road noise, it might be quick due its weight but not powerful and i like to feel the power they did not feel special to me.

irdan87

Original Poster:

122 posts

91 months

Wednesday 29th July 2020
quotequote all
We're still not quite over the line so I'm going to spend a bit of time looking at the DB11 today. My second car (little 1 series) is being sold today and I still have my Lambo until a p/x is done.

Our family car is an all black Merc GLE 350 but I want something usable with the kids on the odd occasion where we are going out for dinner or something, the Merc will be the primary family car obviously.

Nothing can have a worse turning circle, attention, parking than a Lambo so I think whatever option I go for I'll enjoy.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll keep you updated.

Oh and I'm 32 - so don't want a 'traditional' looking Bentley!

Speculatore

2,002 posts

236 months

Wednesday 29th July 2020
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irdan87 said:
We're still not quite over the line so I'm going to spend a bit of time looking at the DB11 today. My second car (little 1 series) is being sold today and I still have my Lambo until a p/x is done.

Our family car is an all black Merc GLE 350 but I want something usable with the kids on the odd occasion where we are going out for dinner or something, the Merc will be the primary family car obviously.

Nothing can have a worse turning circle, attention, parking than a Lambo so I think whatever option I go for I'll enjoy.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll keep you updated.

Oh and I'm 32 - so don't want a 'traditional' looking Bentley!
I moved from a manual DB9 with secondary decat to a Continental GT Speed, 51 series. I thought it was too quiet so had Larini Sports exhaust fitted with acti-valve and remapped up to 706bhp at the same time. The exhaust flaps work on a keyfob press so you can decide to have them open or closed. Full Bentley Service history. Still for sale at Jnct 9 garage by the M25.

irdan87

Original Poster:

122 posts

91 months

Wednesday 29th July 2020
quotequote all
Speculatore said:
I moved from a manual DB9 with secondary decat to a Continental GT Speed, 51 series. I thought it was too quiet so had Larini Sports exhaust fitted with acti-valve and remapped up to 706bhp at the same time. The exhaust flaps work on a keyfob press so you can decide to have them open or closed. Full Bentley Service history. Still for sale at Jnct 9 garage by the M25.
Just had a look. Nice motor mate, looking for something a bit newer though.

memzy88

90 posts

90 months

Wednesday 29th July 2020
quotequote all
irdan87 said:
We're still not quite over the line so I'm going to spend a bit of time looking at the DB11 today. My second car (little 1 series) is being sold today and I still have my Lambo until a p/x is done.

Our family car is an all black Merc GLE 350 but I want something usable with the kids on the odd occasion where we are going out for dinner or something, the Merc will be the primary family car obviously.

Nothing can have a worse turning circle, attention, parking than a Lambo so I think whatever option I go for I'll enjoy.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll keep you updated.

Oh and I'm 32 - so don't want a 'traditional' looking Bentley!
Good luck irdan87. If you can get away with the rear seats i think DB11 might be better car you as it much newer tech than conti and more sporty without any real disadvantages on practicality other than rear seats. I would recommend V12 and Launch Edition as they have many options included as standard.

irdan87

Original Poster:

122 posts

91 months

Wednesday 29th July 2020
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Deal DONE.

Waiting on collection confirmation but it's looking like Friday afternoon 30 degree sunshine.

(On the Speed at the top of the page)

memzy88

90 posts

90 months

Thursday 30th July 2020
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Congrats mate, you will enjoy it. To me the best possible spec

irdan87

Original Poster:

122 posts

91 months

Friday 31st July 2020
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memzy88 said:
Congrats mate, you will enjoy it. To me the best possible spec
Didn't get much sleep last night..not been this excited since, well, the Lambo purchase lol.

Lovely weather for a final 2 hour drive to Birmingham and handover.

Looking forward to it.

gary71

1,967 posts

180 months

Monday 3rd August 2020
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Enjoy. You’ll love it!

Snoopy8

22 posts

52 months

Wednesday 9th September 2020
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Lets have picture of the before (Lambo) and after (GTS)!

Cimaguy

559 posts

73 months

Saturday 26th December 2020
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Pictures!!