Both Rolls-Royce and Bentley represent the pinnacle of British luxury motoring, but they cater to slightly different tastes and experiences — Rolls-Royce for unmatched opulence and quiet grandeur, Bentley for luxurious yet engaging performance. The first time in a Rolls Royce I was 11 and a bridesmaid in a wedding, my mothers cousin, I rode in a Bentley about 10 years later, leaving a night club on the Kings Road in Chelsea. And later being chauffeured around the City of London with a much older, married, don’t judge me, ‘love’ (and I use the word loosely) interest. I have never driven either but here is a detailed comparison of Rolls-Royce vs. Bentley across key points history, manufacturing, colour/interior options, pricing, resale value, convertible options, customer type, and reasons someone might choose one over the other:
1) Brand History & Early Manufacture
Rolls-Royce was founded in 1904 by Henry Royce and Charles Rolls with the goal of making “the best car in the world.”
Rolls Royce built a reputation early on for unmatched refinement and engineering excellence.
They made many iconic models through the 20th century (e.g., Silver Cloud, Phantom lineage) like the wedding car I rode in.
Historically, Rolls-Royce owned Bentley from 1931 until 1998, so many classic Bentleys were mechanically similar to Rolls-Royces under the skin.
Bentley was founded later in 1919 by W.O. Bentley, with a strong early focus on performance and racing success (notably Le Mans).
After being bought by Rolls-Royce in 1931, Bentley became the sportier counterpart up until 1998 when the brands parted company. Post-1998, Bentley revived itself under Volkswagen Group ownership and pushed into new performance-luxury territory, including SUVs and high-performance GTs.
Rolls-Royce’s heritage is slightly longer as a standalone pioneering luxury brand, while Bentley’s roots are in performance-oriented luxury.
2) Where They Are Made
Rolls-Royce are manufactured at the Goodwood plant in West Sussex, England, a bespoke production facility built by BMW after acquiring the brand.
Bentley are built in Crewe, England, Bentley’s historic home factory.
Both are hand-built luxury cars produced in the UK — but at different facilities under different modern corporate ownerships (BMW for Rolls-Royce; Volkswagen Group for Bentley).
3) Colour & Interior Options (Customization)
Rolls-Royce offers extreme bespoke options — nearly limitless paint colours and combinations, custom embroideries, personalised veneers, and even unique thematic interiors.
It is known for features like Starlight Headliner (hundreds of tiny LEDs in the roof), they are lovely, bespoke colour matching, and client-specific artworks.
Bentley also has an extensive personalisation program called Mulliner, with bespoke paint, custom leather, wood trims, and tailored options.
Bentley’s customization often has a sportier, performance-inspired flavour, more modern and hip compared to Rolls-Royce’s aristocratic focus.
Rolls-Royce is typically seen as more ultra-bespoke and artisanal, while Bentley’s personalisation balances luxury with dynamic style for a perhaps younger hipper customer.
4) Price Range
Rolls Royce models generally start higher on price — well above Bentley’s range on most vehicles.
Bespoke options can push prices into the millions.
Bentley tends to start lower than Rolls-Royce; entry models like the Bentayga or Continental GT often begin in the low-to-mid six-figure range and are less expensive than similar Rolls-Royce models.
Rolls-Royce commands a premium price reflecting exclusivity and bespoke elements, while Bentley offers luxury with more “accessible” (still very high) pricing.
5) Resale Value
Both brands retain value well, particularly limited editions and bespoke cars.
Rolls-Royce often depreciates slower because of its low production volume and extreme exclusivity; very rare bespoke cars may appreciate. Like Ferrari if you buy one and take care of it over a long time it ends up being worth more than you paid for it.
Bentley also holds value, especially limited or high-performance variants, but resale is generally more volatile than Rolls-Royce.
Ultra-luxury cars aren’t usually bought for investment, but they can perform better than mainstream cars in the resale market.
6) Driving Experience & Performance
Rolls-Royce Prioritizes a “magic carpet ride” — extremely smooth, quiet, and passenger-focused. They say you could drink a cup of tea at 100 miles per hour without spillage. Less about the drive, dynamic handling, more about comfort and serenity.
Bentley Offers a more driver-engaged experience — powerful engines, sharper suspension, and performance-oriented tuning. Bentley cars are often driven by their owners; Rolls-Royces are more typically chauffeur-driven.
Bentley blends luxury with sportiness; Rolls-Royce elevates comfort above all.
7) Convertible & Body Style Options
Rolls-Royce Has offered convertibles historically (e.g., Corniche).
Current line-up includes luxury saloons and SUVs; bespoke Coachbuild programs have also produced unique convertible and coupe models.
Bentley Offers convertible versions like the Continental GT Convertible and high-performance open-top variants in the less expensive than Rolls Royce mainstream offering. Bentley’s convertibles typically lean toward grand touring sportiness.
Both brands offer convertible options, but Bentley’s are more performance-oriented, while Rolls-Royce’s are ultra-luxury and bespoke more expensive.
8) Typical Buyer & Brand Image
Rolls-Royce Attracts buyers who prioritize ultimate luxury, exclusivity, and status — heads of state, royalty, celebrities, and collectors. Often used as a symbol of prestige or chauffeured travel.
Bentley Appeals to wealthy buyers who want luxury and performance, including entrepreneurs and enthusiasts who drive their vehicles themselves.
Ì think Bentley are seen as slightly more youthful and dynamic compared to Rolls-Royce’s more venerable image.
This vs. That, I would choose Bentley over Rolls Royce because they are more everyday than dressed up if you get me.
9) Why Someone Would Choose One Over the Other
You’d choose Rolls-Royce if you want: Maximum luxury, exclusivity, and bespoke craftsmanship. A serene, ultra-quiet ride. A car that’s frequently chauffeur-driven or a symbol of status.
You’d choose Bentley if you want: Luxury combined with performance and a more engaging driving experience. A sportier, dynamic grand tourer that’s easier to park and slightly more price flexibility or value retention in performance variants.
10) Brand Philosophy & Identity (Core Difference)
Rolls-Royce is about uncompromising luxury and bespoke exclusivity whilst Bentley balances luxury with performance, blending comfort with dynamic driving.
I did a bit of research what you might be in for, for a 15 year old Bentley Vs Rolls Royce with 50,000 on the clock and you might be surprised to discover you could buy a Bentley for between £12K and £25K, the equivalent Rolls Royce is going to set you back closer to £75K
Bentley Continental / Flying Spur / GT (2010 – 2011)
Bentley Continental Flying Spur (15 years old, 80 k miles) priced between about £12,000 – £25,000 for older W12-powered examples, depending on condition and mileage.
A Bentley Continental GT / convertible / coupe examples are going to be more £26,000 – £35,000 plus for well-finished W12 coupes with moderate mileage; rare or Mulliner variants you can expect to go higher.
Some very low-priced older Bentleys below £15,000 do show up, but these often have higher miles or may need work.
Typical Price Range Used Bentley
£12,000 – £35,000 for a used Bentley from 2010 with 50,000–80,000 miles.
Used Rolls-Royce (2010 – 2011) Rolls-Royce models of similar age typically sit significantly higher in price, largely because of their rarity, prestige, and slower depreciation.
Rolls-Royce Ghost (2010–2012) I found listings on UK used sites showing many Rolls-Royce Ghost cars (2010–2012) priced around £55,000 – £75,000 with similar mileage (60,000 – 80,000 miles).
Some examples with particularly good condition or extra options can even be £70,000 – £80,000+.
Rolls-Royce Phantom (older flagship) Older Phantom values are usually much higher on average, with many around £54,000 up to well over £100,000 depending on condition and specification, though rarer listings push much higher still.
Typical Price Range Used Rolls Royce
£55,000 – £80,000 (and often higher) for a 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost with moderate mileage.
Somehow the words used Rolls Royce don’t sound quite right and writing this made me think of the funny line in the 1987 movie Personal Services with Julie Walters. She played the 1960’s madam Christine Painter loosely based on the real life story of British madam Cynthia Payne, and the acronym “BCSD” used to describe one of her customers, big car small dick. And another line we used to say when admiring beautiful cars in the 1980s when we were so much younger, “would you take the man without the car?” Not sure the origin of that one but could be an adaptation of the famous soviet politician and Russian secret police chief Lavrentiy Beria quote “Give me the man and I will give you the case against him” or Ivana Trump’s famous line ‘Don’t get mad, get everything” and whilst she never expressed a preference it was usually a Rolls Royce that awaited her at the airport during her marriage to Donald Trump.
These days I love cars and driving so much, I own my own and I do it myself.
I have included the address of Rolls Royce Pasadena as they were very helpful with information and pricing when compiling this snoop https://www.rollsroycepasadena.com/