France vs USA — 1935 vs 1927
| 402 Eclipse | LaSalle Series 303 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 63 hp | 75 hp |
| Engine Size | 2,142 cc | 5,036 cc |
| Top Speed | 75 mph | 75 mph |
| Weight | 2,822 lbs | 4,200 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,910 mm | 3,226 mm |
| Length | 4,470 mm | 4,978 mm |
| Units Produced | 576 | 16,850 |
| Original MSRP | — | $2,495 |
| Value (Excellent) | $500,000 | $300,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse brings lighter weight, greater rarity to the table, and the 1927 Cadillac LaSalle Series 303 answers with more power, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between France and USA automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse versus 1927 Cadillac LaSalle Series 303 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse producing 63 hp and the 1927 Cadillac LaSalle Series 303 delivering 75 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Peugeot 402 uses a Inline-4 SV displacing 2,142 cc, while the Cadillac LaSalle relies on a V8 OHV with 5,036 cc. The 1927 Cadillac LaSalle Series 303 claims a higher top speed at 75 mph compared to 75 mph. The Peugeot 402 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1378 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 576 units built, the 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse is considerably scarcer than the Cadillac LaSalle's 16,850 examples. On the collector market, the 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse commands a significant premium over the 1927 Cadillac LaSalle Series 303, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.