USA vs USA — 1933 vs 1931
| Silver Arrow V12 | Sixteen Convertible Sedan | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 340 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,570 cc | 8,044 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 14.0 sec | 14.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 100 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 19.5 sec | 19.5 sec |
| Weight | 5,600 lbs | 5,300 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,531 mm | 3,556 mm |
| Length | 5,690 mm | 5,588 mm |
| Units Produced | 5 | 390 |
| Original MSRP | $10,000 | $5,220 |
| Value (Excellent) | $5,000,000 | $2,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
The 1931 Marmon Sixteen Convertible Sedan emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, lighter weight. The 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow V12 counters with higher top speed, greater rarity, 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 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow V12 and 1931 Marmon Sixteen Convertible Sedan stand as two of the most notable Ultra-Luxury cars from Pre-war. Both emerged during a period of intense competition, and choosing between them remains a passionate debate among collectors. The 1931 Marmon Sixteen Convertible Sedan holds a clear advantage in raw power with 200 hp compared to 175 hp, a 25-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow uses a V12 displacing 7,570 cc, while the Marmon Sixteen relies on a V16 with 8,044 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1931 Marmon Sixteen Convertible Sedan edges ahead at 14.0 seconds versus 14.0 seconds. The Marmon Sixteen carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 300 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 5 units built, the 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow V12 is considerably scarcer than the Marmon Sixteen's 390 examples. On the collector market, the 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow V12 commands a significant premium over the 1931 Marmon Sixteen Convertible Sedan, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.