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Which is more prestigious or desirable at this point in time: Rolls Royce or Bentley?
This is actually a more sophisticated question than it appears to be. Twenty or thirty years ago, Bentleys were simply rebadged Rolls Royce cars with few differentiating features. Sales dropped almost to zero at one point. However, the companies have parted ways and over the last few years Bentley has experienced a resurgence in demand. Who's leading now?
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October 04, 2009 11:25 PM
http://autos.yahoo.com/rolls_royce/
http://autos.yahoo.com/2009_bentley_continental_gt_coupe/
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/geneva/2008/2009rollsroycephant...
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Definitely Rolls Royce, no doubt about it. Even though Bentley is having somewhat of a revival, largely due to the Bentley Continental it is still no match in prestige to the Rolls Royce in no way shape or form. Cars like the Bentley GT Speed are marvelous and will gain more attention but the Phantom by Rolls Royce is clearly more desirable.
If I am not wrong the Continental makes it at about $200,000 depending on the package etc. while the Rolls is from $350,000 and up, I think that is case closed on the prestige part. I know its sad to say but its the truth, price brings status and prestige. Everybody knows the price of the Phantom and many people buy it just because of the price tag.
I know that the Phantom is a prestige symbol from Miami to Europe to Russia to the Middle East and also in Asia. If you want to be in the elite and show that you have real dough you will go for the Phantom not for a Continental which is, I am sorry to say but a rather usual car. Here in Zurich for example you see Bentleys everywhere, but necks will turn for a Rolls, well the Phantom at least.
Besides the fact that the Phantom costs double of lets say the CL65 AMG it is also much more exclusive for the fact that it has a waiting list. Due to the Phantoms appeal its sales have picked up in the last years, okay 2008/09 will be a blunder for everybody, as it has become more popular and more orders have been received. In 2007 the car was sold to over 1,000 customers. Not a large number but if you consider the price it certainly is impressive and it leaves room for being exclusive and prestigious, unlike a Bentley you can buy down at the dealership on your Black American Express ;-)
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If I am not wrong the Continental makes it at about $200,000 depending on the package etc. while the Rolls is from $350,000 and up, I think that is case closed on the prestige part. I know its sad to say but its the truth, price brings status and prestige. Everybody knows the price of the Phantom and many people buy it just because of the price tag.
I know that the Phantom is a prestige symbol from Miami to Europe to Russia to the Middle East and also in Asia. If you want to be in the elite and show that you have real dough you will go for the Phantom not for a Continental which is, I am sorry to say but a rather usual car. Here in Zurich for example you see Bentleys everywhere, but necks will turn for a Rolls, well the Phantom at least.
Besides the fact that the Phantom costs double of lets say the CL65 AMG it is also much more exclusive for the fact that it has a waiting list. Due to the Phantoms appeal its sales have picked up in the last years, okay 2008/09 will be a blunder for everybody, as it has become more popular and more orders have been received. In 2007 the car was sold to over 1,000 customers. Not a large number but if you consider the price it certainly is impressive and it leaves room for being exclusive and prestigious, unlike a Bentley you can buy down at the dealership on your Black American Express ;-)
http://autos.yahoo.com/rolls_royce/
http://autos.yahoo.com/2009_bentley_continental_gt_coupe/
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/geneva/2008/2009rollsroycephant...
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October 04, 2009 11:17 PM
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I think in terms of "classic" cars, the Bentley edges out the Rolls Royce, but it's a close race.
In terms of current vehicles, neither brand gives me chills up and down my spine, but Tesla Motors has me all hot and bothered. At $101,500 USD, it certainly qualifies as a "prestige" vehicle - but it has zero emissions and runs perfectly quiet. It's a testament to modern technology and is evolving. Both Bentley and Rolls Royce have sports cars (and sedans) which are nice - but they lack the innovation which the Tesla displays. I think Nikola would have been proud (not that he wouldn't have tweaked it, still).
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In terms of current vehicles, neither brand gives me chills up and down my spine, but Tesla Motors has me all hot and bothered. At $101,500 USD, it certainly qualifies as a "prestige" vehicle - but it has zero emissions and runs perfectly quiet. It's a testament to modern technology and is evolving. Both Bentley and Rolls Royce have sports cars (and sedans) which are nice - but they lack the innovation which the Tesla displays. I think Nikola would have been proud (not that he wouldn't have tweaked it, still).
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October 04, 2009 11:27 PM
Im sorry but the Four Seasons wouldnt even park a Tesla outside the entrance. Dont get me wrong the Tesla is a great car, in matter of innovation it kicks most cars butts but when it comes to prestige and class you cannot compete. Firstly because Tesla has no name for itself.
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October 04, 2009 11:35 PM
GRIN! Depends on whom I am trying to impress with my "prestige" toy! While the Four Seasons might not park it outside their front entrance (although I can't imagine them being so rude - they prize good manners and hospitality as well as exceptional customer service), they would not mistreat either me or the car, I suspect. I respectfully agree to disagree with you since it's a matter of opinion - yours is certainly as valid as mine! Cheers!
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October 04, 2009 11:44 PM
Certainly. By the way, those kind of hotels will park any car for you with the biggest smile even if its a Ford Fiesta, but 90% of the cars will go into the hotel's garage. The nice cars are kept outside, well for logical reasons. Thats why I made that comparison. I didnt mean to be rude.
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October 05, 2009 02:56 AM
No Harm, No Foul - differences of opinion drive consumerism, our economy, and intelligent discussion. You weren't rude, you were assertive in providing your opinion. Checking back, in fact, was polite on your part.
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October 05, 2009 08:46 AM
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It depends If I want to be someone who drives, or someone who is driven. If I'm planning on impressing people whilst sat in the back, then it has to be a Rolls. It has more class than any limousine could possibly dream of. And with a chauffeur to go with it I'm not terribly concerned about dealing with driving a large car in the city or any of that stress. I'm making a statement, and that statement is that I'm important enough that someone else drives me around in style.
If I'm driving however, or want to be thought of as someone who drives then i'd go for the Bentley as the GT offers something that no Rolls does. Its more fun to drive. In this case the Bentleys competition isn't against the Rolls Royce. Its against those common little upstarts like Porsche Ferrari and even BWM. Yes I could go fast if I wanted to, but I've got far too much class to drag race with investment bankers and hedge fund managers.....
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If I'm driving however, or want to be thought of as someone who drives then i'd go for the Bentley as the GT offers something that no Rolls does. Its more fun to drive. In this case the Bentleys competition isn't against the Rolls Royce. Its against those common little upstarts like Porsche Ferrari and even BWM. Yes I could go fast if I wanted to, but I've got far too much class to drag race with investment bankers and hedge fund managers.....
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