Driving a Bentley in Chicago

[Drover]

Originally Posted by vandre

The Continental design lines looks like if Mercedes-Benz had a bastard child with a Jaguar (eeeek!!)

I also think that after a certain point, let's say 200k, it's more about making a statement 'hey I have money' rather than about driving a car that "cruise comfortably, safely effortlessly and gracefully" as you mentioned. I have driven a 01' Mercedes S500 (You can get those for less than 100k), and I don't think a 200k Bentley would be such a revelation compared to it.

For one thing, the Continental GT has a solid 225hp on an S500. I think that might be a bit of a revelation. For another, the Continental is AWD which certainly helps when weather conditions turn adverse. Finally, the GT was supposed to something of a "bargain" car at 125K. A cursory look at asking prices suggests that there's quite a bit more demand than supply. But I think it's well worth $125K if you can find one at that price. If I had the means and I could choose between an S class and a Conti GT, I'd pick the latter without a moment's pause.

Now, the Azure on the other hand... that's just an ostentatious "look at me" car.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by vandre

The Continental design lines looks like if Mercedes-Benz had a bastard child with a Jaguar (eeeek!!)

I agree. Throw in a little Kia Amante and Acura Integra, too.

[vandre]

Originally Posted by Drover

For one thing, the Continental GT has a solid 225hp on an S500. I think that might be a bit of a revelation. For another, the Continental is AWD which certainly helps when weather conditions turn adverse. Finally, the GT was supposed to something of a "bargain" car at 125K. A cursory look at asking prices suggests that there's quite a bit more demand than supply. But I think it's well worth $125K if you can find one at that price. If I had the means and I could choose between an S class and a Conti GT, I'd pick the latter without a moment's pause.

Now, the Azure on the other hand... that's just an ostentatious "look at me" car.

Maybe it's just me, I still prefer Mercedes Benz cars vs Bentleys. I take your point about the Continental being more powerful, although it's a pity you cannot harness that power @ rush hour on LSD or 290/90/etc

BTW the S550 4Matic (MSRP $93,225; 382 Hp, 0-60 in 5.4) is AWD too..

Cheers

[Steve-o]

The only Benz Id buy is of the AMG or Brabus variety. lol

[Attrill]

Originally Posted by Drover

The point of having a Flying Spur or a Continental GT in particular is to cruise comfortably, safely effortlessly and gracefully at any speed between 10 and 160mph. If I had the means I'd consider getting one as a road-tripping barge and not necessarily as a "showoff" car.

That pretty well sums it up. I've drove a few Bentleys at an old job I had, and while they are obviously nice cars, "barge" is an apt description. If I was going to spend $300,000 on a car it wouldn't be on a Bentley, I'd rather get a couple WRXs for $100,000 and then spend the remaining money on a big chunk of land downstate to race them on.

BTW - If you want to try something like a Gallardo or F430 you can rent quite a few exotic cars for the day or weekend.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Attrill

I'd rather get a couple WRXs for $100,000 and then spend the remaining money on a big chunk of land downstate to race them on.

Nah, go with the Lancer EVO's if you want to have some fun on the track.


Sorry Drover.

[sharkylittleton]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Nah, go with the Lancer EVO's if you want to have some fun on the track.


Sorry Drover.

I used to have a lowely 435whp fwd acura integra running 14lbs of boost and eat up modified evo's and sti's on the track. It was fun seeing those guys egos bruised. On the street, they couldn't even come close.

That part of my life is over tho.

[prairiestate]

Wow, amazing you can even make it through the day with the devastating problems you have. I can hardly imagine anything much worse then wondering what my image will be like as I drive around in my Bentley.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by sharkylittleton

I used to have a lowely 435whp fwd acura integra running 14lbs of boost and eat up modified evo's and sti's on the track. It was fun seeing those guys egos bruised. On the street, they couldn't even come close.

That part of my life is over tho.

Uh yeah, you had a, what, 140+ hp advantage? How did you do against them on a roadcourse? Im sure they hung with you pretty well, minus the straightaways. Anyways, I know plenty of EVOs that have over double the hp your 'Teggy had. Ever heard of AMS? They have a monster streetable EVO that runs 8s.