Opinion: Rolls-Royce Ghost or Bentley Flying Spur?

The second-generation Rolls-Royce Ghost was launched last year. Photo: Karl Sheridan of Monster Valley

Rolls-Royce is a favourite of mine to visit Parihoa. We had the New Zealand launch of the Cullinan SUV at the farm and this where I also met Liz. 

We also have the almost million-dollar Phantom in 2020, memorably just before the first lockdown of COVID. It was exciting to now get the first Ghost in New Zealand for a taste. 

For those who have never driven a Rolls-Royce, it’s fair to say it’s a unique attack of the scenes getting behind the wheel. 

Uniformly, all Rolls Royces have a “feel”. As a driver, and more so a passenger, you are removed from reality.

Everything seems quiet and smooth. Speed is difficult to manage, as the peace makes it challenging to tell how fast you are going until you head into a corner.

The Ghost, as the sportiest and smaller cousin to the Cullinan and Phantom, feels comparatively “nimble” with its 6.75-litre V12 petrol engine that is good for 423kW. 

The Bentley Flying Spur is similar in size to the Ghost. Photo: Matt Chapman

However a “driver’s car”, perhaps in the guise of the new Bentley Flying Spur, it is not. 

The Ghost stays in its own territory of feeling more special than the Bentley, but also maybe less convincing as well.

As a Bentley Continental GT owner, I like how the Flying Spur drives over the Ghost, as an everyday drive. The Flying Spur hides its size more than the Ghost, perhaps due to the shape, despite both cars being of a similar length. 

The interior of Rolls-Royce Ghost is ‘simply fabulous’ and is like an art deco apartment. Photo:: Liz Dobson

But this is not meant to be a comparison and perhaps in a perfect crazy world, “sir” would own both. 

The Ghost interior is simply fabulous. It’s like a flashily designed art deco apartment on wheels with its perfect leather and wood finishes. 

Rolls-Royce does the best interiors imaginable and they are an incredible place to be. Even more serene than the Flying Spur, which in beige leather and the right wood, is divine too.

But the Ghost makes a grandiose statement much like its bigger teammates. Is this relevant in 2021? I think yes. If the world ends tomorrow, and you had the means, you may have liked to have owned a Rolls-Royce. 

The challenge is would it be the Phantom or the Ghost. And that probably comes down to size. If you want a mini Phantom, then get the Ghost.

To find out more about my thoughts on the Ghost, check out our review below.