VS
At a Glance
Power
313kW@4000
610 kW
Torque
875Nm@2200
740 Nm
Fuel
22.1
8.5 combined l/100km
Towing
2450
—
0-100 km/h
5.9
2.9 s
Engine
6750
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 313kW@4000 while the Ferrari 296 produces 610 kW. On fuel, the CONTINENTAL returns 22.1 while the 296 uses 8.5 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R9 000 000 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
313kW@4000
610 kW
Torque
875Nm@2200
740 Nm
0-100 kph
5.9
2.9 s
Top Speed
270
330 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
6750
2992 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
V
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
4
8
Drive Wheels
REAR
rear
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
22.1
8.5 combined l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
31.19
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
16.95
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
108
65 litre + 7.45 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
—
205 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
5222
4565 mm
Width
2058
1958 mm
Height
1462
1191 mm
Wheelbase
2961
2600 mm
Ground Clearance
—
—
Kerb Weight
2450
1540 Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
2
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2450
—
Load Capacity
347
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
—
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Sunroof
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
3
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
7
Service Plan Distance
—
unlimited
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ferrari 296
3 / 4 categories
Performance
296
Fuel Economy
296
Value
296
Practicality
CONTINENTAL
Pros & Cons
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (22.1)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Ferrari 296
Better fuel economy (8.5 combined l/100km)
Lower starting price (R7 795 000)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (2.9 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CONTINENTAL or 296?
The CONTINENTAL uses 22.1 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 313kW@4000 and 875Nm@2200 of torque while the 296 delivers 610 kW and 740 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the CONTINENTAL and 296?
The CONTINENTAL starts from R9 000 000 and the 296 from R7 795 000. The 296 is cheaper by R1 205 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CONTINENTAL or 296?
The CONTINENTAL has a braked towing capacity of 2450 and the 296 can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
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.