Rolls-Royce vs. Bentley: the Battle Royale

FORGET BATMAN VS. Superman, the Lannisters taking on the Starks or even Pepsi and Coca Cola, this is the big one. Well, it is for car nuts like us anyhow. Two enormous British heritage brands (although they both now happen to be German), two confirmed decades-old adversaries and two new special edition models to duke it out, right here, right now in Dubai. You can almost taste the prestige in the air over the battleground. Like medieval knights, they circle one another: the blue-eyed, noble-hearted Bentley 'SZR by Mulliner' sizing up the dashing yet ruthless Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge. Who will take the spoils? Who here, because let's face it only in the UAE is this a viable question, will put their money where there mouth is and stump up for their champion? For us, it's too close to call. It would be like trying to choose between pizza or pasta as our favourite dinner. Heads would explode in the process. Therefore we're going to introduce you to our contenders for you to pick your own victor. Fare thee well brave spectators and either way, enjoy the show.  

The Dark Destroyer
Name: Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge
Special features: Open-top luxury never looked so mean.
Engine: 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12
Power: 593bhp
Weight: 2.5 metric tonnes
Top speed: 250km/h
0-100km/h: 4.9 seconds
Price: Commission only. If you need to ask, you can't afford it.

The White Knight
Name: Bentley 'SZR by Mulliner' Continental GTC V8 S
Special features: Made for Dubai's new Sheikh Zayed Rd. showroom.
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8
Power: 520bhp
Weight: 2.3 metric tonnes
Top speed: 308km/h
0-100km/h: 4.7 seconds
Price: Available on request. There are only three in existence though.

Conclusion
While not being able to pick one over the other, it's interesting to note that engine volume doesn't always mean a faster car - although the RR's speed is electronically governed.  Overall, we think we'll avoid any arguments and take both. Now, where did we put our cheque book.and credit card..and house deeds.and you don't need both kidneys, right?  

david@khaleejtimes.com