Alfa Romeo 6C 2500

vs

Alfa Romeo Disco Volante

Italy vs Italy — 1939 vs 1952

Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 (1939)
Alfa Romeo Disco Volante (1952)
Specifications
6C 2500 Super SportDisco Volante C52 Spider
Horsepower110 hp158 hp
Torque130 lb-ft130 lb-ft
Engine Size2,443 cc1,997 cc
0-60 mph12.0 sec
Top Speed106 mph137 mph
¼ Mile18.5 sec
Weight2,646 lbs1,620 lbs
Wheelbase2,700 mm2,200 mm
Length4,700 mm4,080 mm
Units Produced2,3127
Value (Excellent)$1,500,000$30,000,000
Collectibility9/1010/10
Rarity8/1010/10
The Verdict

The 1952 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante C52 Spider emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, higher top speed, lighter weight. The 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport counters with better value, 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.

Overview

Within the Alfa Romeo stable, the 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport and 1952 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante C52 Spider represent different approaches to performance and purpose. Both carry the Alfa Romeo badge, yet each carves out its own distinct identity. The 1952 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante C52 Spider holds a clear advantage in raw power with 158 hp compared to 110 hp, a 48-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 uses a Inline-6 DOHC 12V displacing 2,443 cc, while the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante relies on a Inline-4 DOHC with 1,997 cc. The 1952 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante C52 Spider claims a higher top speed at 137 mph compared to 106 mph. The Alfa Romeo Disco Volante carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1026 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 7 units built, the 1952 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante C52 Spider is considerably scarcer than the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500's 2,312 examples. On the collector market, the 1952 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante C52 Spider commands a significant premium over the 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.