BMW’s current M CEO made headlines around the world when the BMW M8 was announced, dubbing it a “Porsche 911 killer.” The reason why this statement took everyone by surprise is the known, incredible performance the 911 manages to deliver generation after generation. And the current Porsche 911 is no exception. Of course, many pundits don’t see the BMW M8 is a competitor to the 911, but rather more along the lines of a Continental GT.
But since every theory needs to be tested, the folks at Autocar have put together a comprehensive review featuring the BMW M8 Competition, alongside the Porsche 911 and Bentley Continental GT.
Now, what should be mentioned here is that, unlike the M8, which is basically offered with one engine, the other cars in this comparison have a couple of other options in the range. Take the Bentley, for example. The Continental GT can be had with either a V8 or a W12. As for the 911 it can be had with a 3-liter or a 3.8-liter flat six with various amounts of power.
The Bentley at hand here is the V8 and that means it’s a bit down on power compared to the BMW. It only has 540 HP and 568 lb-ft of torque compared to the M8’s 617 HP and 553 lb-ft of torque. Therefore, it is also a bit slower both in a straight line and in the corners. It does make up for it though with considerably more space inside and a lot more luxury.
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As for the Porsche, it’s a 911 Carrera 4S so it’s the least powerful car here, by quite a margin. Its 3-liter flat six engine makes 444 HP and 390 lb-ft of torque and yet, with the PDK gearbox and the Sport Chrono package it will match or even beat the M8 Competition in a drag race. Quite an amazing feat. As for all other aspects of the cars, I’ll let the Autocar guys tell you all about them.
Here’s how I see it. If you have the money for the Bentley, you won’t be getting an 8-series. If you want a Sports Car, or even a GT car with a badge/prestige, you will likely get the 911. A luxury coupe? S-Class Coupe/Vert. The 8-series is a very hard niche to define and doesn’t stand out in a crowd of competitive vehicles, all of which can pride themselves on one particular area. The 8-series is by no means a bad car, but I don’t see it being the car you aspire/lust after unless you are dead set on a BMW.
Yep, and although I like the BMW interior, I find it lacks in style in this price range.
And if you just want to drive 250kmh on the Autobahn (dont expect to see M8 runnign after 911ss on the Ring…), a Bentley will be a much better experience.
The 911 is the way to go
These comparisons shouldn’t even be made. 911 is a proper sports car, Bentley is a GT floater, 8 series was never designed to be in either category. It was never a 911, not even the M, the more accurate segment should be sporty GT segment. Unlike Bentley, the 8 series does not resemble the 7 series at all. Bentley Continental GT resembles more like their New Flying Spur, just look at their height and width, the GT is in same proportion to the 4 doors Flying Spur, they actually look alike too. The M8, or the 8 series doesn’t even look like the 7 series. The M8 sleeker design, giving up 43mm in height to the Bentley, along with 50mm in width, all add up to the different target segment as compared to the Continental. Why do people even want to compare, I have no idea.
I have a 2020 m8 comp. it would absolutely destroy a 911 Carrera 4s in a drag race, comfort, and tech. I would know as thAt exact 911 was my last car. A 911 turbo is much more capable of challenging the m8, this comparison saying it could match or beat the m8 couldn’t be further from the truth. M8 wins across the board here. The Bentley Is to much money and frankly is in a diff class than both cars. It’s also much more of a cruiser than the m8.