Bentley T-Series: which version to buy
Between the two catalogue versions of the Bentley T-Series, the choice is not “which generation.” There is 1 generation (1965–1980, Coupe). The real split is 6.2 AT versus 6.8 AT: 35 hp, 520 cm³, and one automatic ratio.
Between the two catalogue versions of the Bentley T-Series, the choice is not “which generation.” There is 1 generation (1965–1980, Coupe). The real split is 6.2 AT versus 6.8 AT: 35 hp, 520 cm³, and one automatic ratio.
Specs that actually differ
| Version | Years | hp | kW | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2 AT | 1965–1980 | 260 | 191 | 6230 cm³ | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Front, longitudinal | not measured | Automatic, 4 | RWD |
| 6.8 AT | 1965–1980 | 295 | 27 | 6750 cm³ | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Front, longitudinal | not measured | Automatic, 3 | RWD |
Torque (Nm), boost, 0–100, top speed, mpg, weights, tank, wheels, ground clearance, and rear brakes are not measured on both. Those blanks do not decide the purchase.
What the extra displacement buys
6.8 AT is 520 cm³ larger than 6.2 AT (6750 vs 6230). Peak power is 35 hp higher (295 vs 260). That is +13.5% power on +8.3% capacity.
Specific output from the given numbers:
- 6.2 AT: 260 hp / 6.23 L ≈ 41.7 hp per litre
- 6.8 AT: 295 hp / 6.75 L ≈ 43.7 hp per litre
The larger engine is not only bigger; it is slightly denser on paper (about 2.0 hp/L more). In kilowatts the catalogue is inconsistent: 6.2 AT is listed at 191 kW, 6.8 AT at 27 kW. Use horsepower for ranking; treat 27 kW as the recorded kW for 6.8 AT, not as a reason to pick it.
Valves and architecture do not separate the pair: both are Gasoline, 8 cylinders, V-shaped, 2 valves per cylinder, Front, longitudinal, RWD. Boost is not measured on either, so neither is a “forced” option in this data.
Gearbox: the other real fork
6.2 AT is Automatic with 4 gears. 6.8 AT is Automatic with 3 gears. Same Automatic label, different ratio count.
If you want more listed power, 6.8 AT is the only step up. If you want more listed gears on the same RWD Coupe layout, 6.2 AT is the only step up. You cannot have both 295 hp and 4 Automatic gears in this generation: those combinations are not in the data.
Performance, mpg, dimensions: nothing to rank
For 6.2 AT and 6.8 AT alike:
- 0–100: not measured
- Top speed: not measured
- City / highway / combined consumption: not measured
- Kerb weight, gross weight: not measured
- Ground clearance: not measured
- Fuel tank: not measured
- Wheel sizes: not measured
Weight per horsepower cannot be calculated. Economy cannot be compared. “The extra money buys” cannot be priced here (no prices). Chassis language that is measured is identical: Independent, spring front and rear; Drum front brakes; rear brakes not measured. Chassis is not a reason to prefer one version.
Which version to choose
Choose 6.8 AT if the goal is the higher listed output in this model: 295 hp vs 260 hp, 6750 cm³ vs 6230 cm³, and the slightly higher specific output (~43.7 vs ~41.7 hp/L). Accept Automatic 3 gears and the listed 27 kW.
Choose 6.2 AT if the goal is the four-speed Automatic and the smaller 6230 cm³ Gasoline V-shaped 8, at 260 hp / 191 kW. You give up 35 hp and 520 cm³.
There is no second generation to “wait for”: production of both versions is 1965-01-01 to 1980-12-31, body Coupe, same generation. Restyling is not listed as a separate generation. Reliability, problems, and asking prices are not in the data; do not infer them from displacement.
Short rule: same years, same Coupe, same RWD, same suspension. Buy 6.8 AT for power and capacity; buy 6.2 AT for the 4-speed Automatic. Everything else in the catalogue is not measured or is the same number twice.