France vs France — 2016 vs 1931
| Chiron | Type 41 Royale | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 1,500 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 1,180 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 7,993 cc | 12,763 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 2.3 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 261 mph | 100 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 9.4 sec | — |
| Weight | — | 7,000 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,711 mm | 4,300 mm |
| Length | 4,544 mm | 6,400 mm |
| Units Produced | 500 | 6 |
| Original MSRP | — | $30,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $5,000,000 | $100,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 2016 Bugatti Chiron brings more power, higher top speed, better value to the table, and the 1931 Bugatti Type 41 Royale answers with greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Bugatti has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 2016 Bugatti Chiron with the 1931 Bugatti Type 41 Royale highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2016 Bugatti Chiron holds a clear advantage in raw power with 1500 hp compared to 300 hp, a 1200-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Bugatti Chiron uses a W16 Quad-Turbo DOHC 64V displacing 7,993 cc, while the Bugatti Type 41 relies on a Straight-8 OHC 16V with 12,763 cc. The 2016 Bugatti Chiron claims a higher top speed at 261 mph compared to 100 mph. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 6 units built, the 1931 Bugatti Type 41 Royale is considerably scarcer than the Bugatti Chiron's 500 examples. On the collector market, the 1931 Bugatti Type 41 Royale commands a significant premium over the 2016 Bugatti Chiron, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1931 Bugatti Type 41 Royale rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.