USA vs USA — 1937 vs 1933
| 812 Supercharged | Silver Arrow | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 190 hp | 175 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,729 cc | 7,031 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 13.0 sec | 18.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 110 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.5 sec | — |
| Weight | 4,200 lbs | 5,600 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,200 mm | 3,556 mm |
| Length | 5,232 mm | 5,690 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,146 | 5 |
| Original MSRP | $3,060 | $10,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $350,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged brings quicker acceleration, lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow answers with higher top speed, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
In the world of Luxury cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged versus the 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow. Both hail from Pre-war and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged producing 190 hp and the 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow delivering 175 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Cord 812 uses a V8 OHV Supercharged displacing 4,729 cc, while the Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow relies on a V12 OHV with 7,031 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged edges ahead at 13.0 seconds versus 18.0 seconds. The Cord 812 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1400 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 5 units built, the 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow is considerably scarcer than the Cord 812's 1,146 examples. On the collector market, the 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow commands a significant premium over the 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.