# How Does a Benly and a Chysler 300 Differ? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 22, 2009, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781 "2009-10-22T21:17:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2009, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/1 "2009-10-22T21:17:52Z")
I just saw a Bently sedan-and I was struck by how closely it resembels a Chysler 30 sedan. Aside from the huge price difference, how do these two cars compare? The Bently doesn’t impress me-it looks like it is just as cramped (inside) as the Chysler. ---
**Author:** ![pan1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e495f1/32.png) [@pan1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pan1)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2009, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/2 "2009-10-22T21:25:45Z")
Are you sure you weren’t just looking at a Chrysler 300 with Bentley grilles added? Otherwise, I’m not sure how these are even vaguely similar. ---
**Author:** ![pan1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e495f1/32.png) [@pan1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pan1)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2009, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/3 "2009-10-22T21:31:32Z")
I know I saw one in Lincoln NE, - bentley logo, grille and wings on front but the back said chrysler 300. I’m sure the owner of that car isn’t the only one to buy fake bentley logo/decor and stick it on his chrysler. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2009, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/4 "2009-10-22T22:03:49Z")
> [@ralph124c](#): > > The Bently doesn’t impress me-it looks like it is just as cramped (inside) as the Chysler. The Chrysler 300 is 196 inches long. The Bentley (assuming you saw a Flying Spur) is 208 inches. Your perception does not tally with reality. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2009, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/5 "2009-10-22T22:17:27Z")
Maybe Ralph saw a Benly or a Bently instead of a real Bentley. Sort of like those Rollax watches. ---
**Author:** ![Covered\_In\_Bees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7ab992/32.png) [@Covered\_In\_Bees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Covered_In_Bees)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2009, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/6 "2009-10-22T22:20:25Z")
I don’t know how other cars are made, but I saw a show that detailed how Bentleys were made and they are almost completely hand-built. The fabric all hand-sewn, the leather all specially treated and all the main components are put together by hand like some sort of “snap tight” tiling. ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2009, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/7 "2009-10-22T23:47:04Z")
Just wanted to note that I have always been struck by how much the Chrysler 300 looks (superficially) like a Bentley sedan, especially with the close-meshed front grilles. The Chrysler is actually a very nice-looking car, IMHO. Anyway, with respect to the OP, it’s still like comparing cubic zirconia to a real diamond; or comparing gold electroplate to solid gold, or comparing pleather/Naugahyde to real leather. There’s a reason why the Chrysler costs an order of magnitude less than the Bentley. ---
**Author:** ![Mesquite-oh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a183cd/32.png) [@Mesquite-oh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mesquite-oh)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/8 "2009-10-23T06:57:29Z")
I get the OP’s question. I see some external design similarities between the two cars and I have always wondered how different the experience is between driving an expensive ultra luxury sedan (like a Bentley) and a top of the line version of a more everyday type sedan like the 300 (or maybe a Caddy would be more fair). Obviously, the Bentley would have better and more expensive materials and components, but would you be able to tell the difference in the ride if you were riding blindfolded? Would you be able to immediately tell the difference if you were driving (noticibly better acceleration, handling, top speed or whatever)? Would the Bentley be more reliable? Where is the luxury experienced most? ---
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 7:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/9 "2009-10-23T07:04:23Z")
I went over to [WWW.EDMUNDS.COM](http://WWW.EDMUNDS.COM) , and did a comparison. The wheelbases of the two cars are almost the same (160.1 "), height about the same. The Chrysler has more interior room, the Bently has slightly less interior room.The big difference-the Bently weighs almost 2000 lbs. more-and thus needs a larger engine. Of course, a car that sells for over $200,000 will be more luxurious than a $36,000 car-but surely the extra weight of the Bently must have some negative effects. And in the end, they are both cars; I wonder what a used Bently goes for? ---
**Author:** ![Discipline](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/82dd89/32.png) [@Discipline](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Discipline)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/10 "2009-10-23T07:36:33Z")
> [@ralph124c](#): > > And in the end, they are both cars; Yeah, you’re definitely not Bentley material. I can hardly believe you’re asking this question. Yes, the 300C looks superficially like a Bentley (frankly, it looks more like a Rolls, but whatever). It has the same general face and square shouldered stance. That was the whole point of the design of that car - to mimic an icon, to give average people a car with just a touch of that high-roller style. Everything - styling, build quality, materials, engineering, attention to detail, fit and finish - is so superior on any Bentley that comparing the two is just completely laughable. Seriously, if you really think the two are comparable, find the nearest Bentley dealer and just go stand next to one. You’ll regret making this post before you get within 10 feet. ---
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 7:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/11 "2009-10-23T07:54:21Z")
> [@ralph124c](#): > > I just saw a Bently sedan-and I was struck by how closely it resembels a Chysler 30 sedan. Aside from the huge price difference, how do these two cars compare? > The Bently doesn’t impress me-it looks like it is just as cramped (inside) as the Chysler. To answer as a sanctimonious pratt - I think that if you really need to ask the question, you won’t be able to appreciate the answer. The Flying Spur for example has the W12, 600 horse engine and top speed of A LOT. Ride quality is going to heaps better (not sure if it will be four times as good, but definitely noticeably better) For a comparison maybe you want to drive a corolla and then a 300c and then imagine the same difference from the 300c to the Bentley ---
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/12 "2009-10-23T11:42:44Z")
> [@bengangmo](#): > > To answer as a sanctimonious pratt - I think that if you really need to ask the question, you won’t be able to appreciate the answer. > > The Flying Spur for example has the W12, 600 horse engine and top speed of A LOT. Ride quality is going to heaps better (not sure if it will be four times as good, but definitely noticeably better) > > For a comparison maybe you want to drive a corolla and then a 300c and then imagine the same difference from the 300c to the Bentley I’m curious as to how much time in the repair shop the Bently woud spend (relative to the Chrysler 300). Rolls-Royce was notorious for “downtime”. Pardon me for asking such a question..I cleearly am unable to appreciate the answer:D ---
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/13 "2009-10-23T12:14:48Z")
Sorry can’t answer that - maybe if I worked and saved my total salary for like 19 years I may be able to get back to you 🙂 But in all seriousness if you want the most awesomest car at a reasonable price buy a Lotus Evora ---
**Author:** ![Francis\_Vaughan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/francis_vaughan/32/3093_2.png) [@Francis\_Vaughan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francis_Vaughan)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/14 "2009-10-23T13:09:47Z")
> [@ralph124c](#): > > I’m curious as to how much time in the repair shop the Bently woud spend (relative to the Chrysler 300). Rolls-Royce was notorious for “downtime”. Rollers were indeed, at one time, desperately awful cars. Stuck in a time warp for about 30 years. Times change. BMW make Rolls Royces at a newly built factory, and Volkswagen own Bentley. The influx of lots of German money and lots of German technology and attention to build quality have done a lot. The Rollers are new from the ground up. The Bently Continental was new, the Anarge was old, and based on the model built pre VW takeover of the old Rolls Royce/Bentley factory. A new Arnage is due next year. It is hard to convey the gratuitous level of luxury you find in these cars. You would need to be deaf , insensible, and blind not to be able to tell in seconds the difference between a Bently and a Chrysler 300. These are not cars for hammering about in, they are cars for traveling in absolute luxury very quickly. Simple on-paper statistics don’t give you any idea. Once the car is big enough, there is not need to make it bigger. But with the mass comes fantastic levels of isolation, structural integrity, plus very sophisticated suspension, and properly done luxury features. Power, top speed, all those things are merely approriate for the task at hand, not ends in themselves. The task is to provide a suberb travelling experience. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/15 "2009-10-23T13:52:25Z")
Just wanted to add that I’ve always been mildly interested in Bentleys, and recently was horrified to realize that my first glance was mistaken and I was looking at a Chrysler. Always thought it curious - and cool - how understated Bentleys were from the outside. Re: used prices - don’t know about Bentleys, but you can pick up a used Rolls for not all that much, provided you aren’t overly choosy about the year and model. My asshole FIL has 2 which he bought simply because he “got a deal” on them. But the purchase price is nothing compared to the astronomical costs of maintenance/repairs on them. ---
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/16 "2009-10-23T14:13:40Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > Just wanted to add that I’ve always been mildly interested in Bentleys, and recently was horrified to realize that my first glance was mistaken and I was looking at a Chrysler. Always thought it curious - and cool - how understated Bentleys were from the outside. > > Re: used prices - don’t know about Bentleys, but you can pick up a used Rolls for not all that much, provided you aren’t overly choosy about the year and model. My asshole FIL has 2 which he bought simply because he “got a deal” on them. But the purchase price is nothing compared to the astronomical costs of maintenance/repairs on them. Just for the record (and I am talking about my local market) we saw the Bentley a long time before the 300C and the common consensus here was basically that Chrysler was somewhat deliberatley made to look like an icon. ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/17 "2009-10-23T16:46:30Z")
> [@pan1](#): > > Are you sure you weren’t just looking at a Chrysler 300 with Bentley grilles added? > > Otherwise, I’m not sure how these are even vaguely similar. [I had no idea people did this.](http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=chrysler%20300%20bentley%20conversion&safe=active&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi) But it does explain all the “Bentleys” I’ve been seeing on the west side of Chicago. ---
**Author:** ![Myglaren](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f1d935/32.png) [@Myglaren](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Myglaren)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/18 "2009-10-23T17:02:43Z")
I spotted in a local car park what I initially thought was a Bentley being used as a [taxi](http://yfrog.com/4eimgp0495j). Bentley logos etc. As I pass a Bentley GT on my way to work most mornings I realised it wasn’t any model I was familiar with. Someone soon put me straight on my error. ---
**Author:** ![mazinger\_z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f9b8f/32.png) [@mazinger\_z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mazinger_z)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/19 "2009-10-23T17:10:37Z")
The difference: about $150k. Seriously, I drove a 300 rental during the summer and I was completely underwhelmed. Remarkably slow and handled like a tank. Though, I do admit that it was pretty comfortable. The interior dash was also lackluster. I test drove a continental gt and except for the bad fuel economy, it really felt like I was driving a superior car. Personally, I valued the 300 like a $20k car. Granted, it was a rental. I could not value the bentley because I had no comparrison. Twice as good as the 300? Definitely. Three times? Most likely. Drivng a small condo around? Probably not. But if you’re drivng a bentley, you’re probably in an exclusive 5k sq ft house of modern luxury. Seriously, it’s like comparing a Denny’s steak to a Del Frisco’s prime filet mignon. ---
**Author:** ![MrFloppy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/43a26b/32.png) [@MrFloppy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrFloppy)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781/20 "2009-10-23T19:19:56Z")
Umm…OP needs to go see a real Bentley. Stand next to an Arnage and all will be understood. Bentleys are hand built for the most part. 1000 of the 2500 employees at the factory work in ‘wood and trim’. The leather is hand picked and the seats are sewn by hand. They now have huge W12 Volkswagen engines with 600+ HP and get you places very quick. Go to [www.bentleymotors.com](http://www.bentleymotors.com) and check out the interior photos. The 300 is built on a late 90s Mercedes E Class platform, engine options are a crap V6, a decent V8 and a 425HP lump that gives the car some speed. The interior is crap, your typical run of the mill american car interior. Lots of shiny plastic. Definitely not 1000 people working on the wood lol. It is basically the same car as the Dodge Charger/Magnum I was high on the 300 when it first came out but it is now a caricature of itself and needs a facelift, as does basically every car in the Chrysler lineup. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-benly-and-a-chysler-300-differ/514781.md?page=2)