Compare the2022 Bentley Continental GTVS 2021 Rolls-Royce Dawn

The Continental GT has standard Bentley Safeguard City, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Dawn has a collision warning system without the crash-mitigating brake feature that could reduce stopping distances.

The Continental GT has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Dawn doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The Continental GT’s blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The Dawn doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Continental GT’s standard rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The Dawn doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the Continental GT and the Dawn have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, collision warning systems, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, around view monitors, available night vision systems and lane departure warning systems.

The Continental GT SPEED’s standard 6.0 turbo 12-cylinder produces 57 more horsepower (650 vs. 593) and 44 lbs.-ft. more torque (664 vs. 620) than the Dawn Black Label’s standard 6.6 turbo V12.

On the EPA test cycle the Continental GT 4.0 turbo V8 gets better fuel mileage than the Dawn 6.6 turbo V12 (16 city/26 hwy vs. 12 city/18 hwy).

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Continental GT’s fuel efficiency. The Dawn doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the Continental GT’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Dawn doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Continental GT has 1.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Dawn (23.8 vs. 21.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Continental GT offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The Dawn doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

All wheel drive, available in the Continental GT, provides the best traction for acceleration in wet, dry, and icy conditions. In corners, all wheel drive allows both outside wheels to provide power, balancing the car. This allows for better handling. The Rolls-Royce Dawn is not available with all wheel drive.

The Continental GT’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Dawn doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the Continental GT’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Dawn:

The Continental GT SPEED has standard heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The Dawn doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

For better traction, the Continental GT has larger standard tires than the Dawn (F:265/45R20 & R:295/40R20 vs. F:255/45R20 & R:285/40R20). The Continental GT’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Dawn (F:275/35R22 & R:315/30R22 vs. F:255/45R20 & R:285/40R20).

The Continental GT’s optional 275/35R22 front and 315/30R22 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Dawn’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Continental GT offers optional 22-inch wheels. The Dawn’s largest wheels are only 21-inches.

The Continental GT offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Dawn; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the Dawn don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

For better maneuverability, the Continental GT SPEED’s turning circle is 7.9 feet tighter than the Dawn’s (33.8 feet vs. 41.7 feet). The Continental GT’s turning circle is 6.5 feet tighter than the Dawn’s (35.2 feet vs. 41.7 feet).

The Bentley Continental GT may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 400 pounds less than the Rolls-Royce Dawn.

The Continental GT is 1 foot, 5.2 inches shorter than the Dawn, making the Continental GT easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Continental GT has standard flush composite headlights. The Dawn has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The Continental GT has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Dawn doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Continental GT’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Dawn’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

On extremely cold winter days, the Continental GT’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Dawn doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Bentley Continental GT offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Dawn doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Continental GT’s Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Dawn doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Bentley Continental GT comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Rolls-Royce Dawn isn’t available as a coupe.