VS
At a Glance
Power
500 kW
610 kW
Torque
930 Nm
740 Nm
Fuel
10.3 combined l/100km
8.5 combined l/100km
0-100 km/h
3.7 s
2.9 s
Engine
3996 cc
2992 cc
Choosing between the Bentley Continental and the Ferrari 296 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Bentley Continental delivers 500 kW while the Ferrari 296 produces 610 kW. On fuel, the Continental returns 10.3 combined l/100km while the 296 uses 8.5 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R5 269 000 for the Continental and R7 795 000 for the 296. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
500 kW
610 kW
Torque
930 Nm
740 Nm
0-100 kph
3.7 s
2.9 s
Top Speed
270 Km/h
330 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
2992 cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.3 combined l/100km
8.5 combined l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 litre + 25.9 kWh l
65 litre + 7.45 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
93 combined g/km
205 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
4895 mm
4565 mm
Width
1966-2187 mm
1958 mm
Height
1397 mm
1191 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2600 mm
Kerb Weight
2459 EU Kg
1540 Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
2
Load Volume
260 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
7
Service Plan Distance
—
unlimited
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
296
Fuel Economy
296
Value
Continental
Practicality
Continental
Pros & Cons
Bentley Continental
Lower starting price (R5 269 000)
Higher fuel consumption (10.3 combined l/100km)
Less power than rival (500 kW vs 610 kW)
No factory service plan
Ferrari 296
More powerful engine (610 kW)
Better fuel economy (8.5 combined l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (2.9 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Continental or 296?
The Continental uses 10.3 combined l/100km and the 296 uses 8.5 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. The 296 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Continental or 296?
The Continental produces 500 kW and 930 Nm of torque while the 296 delivers 610 kW and 740 Nm of torque. The 296 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Continental and 296?
The Continental starts from R5 269 000 and the 296 from R7 795 000. The Continental is cheaper by R2 526 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Continental or the 296?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.