USA vs USA — 1931 vs 1959
| V-16 Series 452 | Coupe de Ville 390 V8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 165 hp | 325 hp |
| Torque | 381 lb-ft | 420 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,406 cc | 6,390 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 10.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 120 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 17.8 sec |
| Weight | 5,800 lbs | 4,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,734 mm | 3,302 mm |
| Length | 5,639 mm | 5,715 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,189 | 21,924 |
| Original MSRP | $5,350 | $5,252 |
| Value (Excellent) | $2,000,000 | $150,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 5/10 |
The 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville 390 V8 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, higher top speed, lighter weight. The 1931 Cadillac V-16 Series 452 counters with greater rarity, stronger collectibility, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The 1931 Cadillac V-16 Series 452 and 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville 390 V8 share a manufacturer in Cadillac, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Cadillac brand. The 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville 390 V8 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 325 hp compared to 165 hp, a 160-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Cadillac V-16 uses a V16 OHV displacing 7,406 cc, while the Cadillac Coupe de Ville relies on a V8 OHV (Cadillac 390) with 6,390 cc. The 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville 390 V8 claims a higher top speed at 120 mph compared to 100 mph. The Cadillac Coupe de Ville carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1000 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,189 units built, the 1931 Cadillac V-16 Series 452 is considerably scarcer than the Cadillac Coupe de Ville's 21,924 examples. On the collector market, the 1931 Cadillac V-16 Series 452 commands a significant premium over the 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville 390 V8, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.