USA vs France — 1912 vs 1936
| Bearcat Series H | 135 MS Grand Sport | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 60 hp | 160 hp |
| Torque | — | 214 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,388 cc | 3,557 cc |
| Top Speed | 80 mph | 106 mph |
| Weight | 2,400 lbs | 2,646 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,048 mm | 2,950 mm |
| Length | 3,810 mm | 4,500 mm |
| Original MSRP | $2,000 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $2,000,000 | $1,200,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1912 Stutz Bearcat Series H brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1936 Delahaye 135 MS Grand Sport answers with more power, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between USA and France automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1912 Stutz Bearcat Series H versus 1936 Delahaye 135 MS Grand Sport is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1936 Delahaye 135 MS Grand Sport holds a clear advantage in raw power with 160 hp compared to 60 hp, a 100-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Stutz Bearcat uses a Inline-4 T-head displacing 6,388 cc, while the Delahaye 135 relies on a Inline-6 OHV with 3,557 cc. The 1936 Delahaye 135 MS Grand Sport claims a higher top speed at 106 mph compared to 80 mph. The Stutz Bearcat carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 246 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.