Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow

vs

Hispano-Suiza H6B

USA vs France — 1933 vs 1919

Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow (1933)
Hispano-Suiza H6B (1919)
Specifications
Silver Arrow V12H6B Boulogne Sport
Horsepower175 hp135 hp
Torque340 lb-ft
Engine Size7,570 cc6,597 cc
0-60 mph14.0 sec
Top Speed115 mph93 mph
¼ Mile19.5 sec
Weight5,600 lbs3,968 lbs
Wheelbase3,531 mm3,720 mm
Length5,690 mm
Units Produced52,600
Original MSRP$10,000
Value (Excellent)$5,000,000$3,000,000
Collectibility10/1010/10
Rarity10/109/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow V12 brings more power, higher top speed, greater rarity to the table, and the 1919 Hispano-Suiza H6B Boulogne Sport answers with lighter weight, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

The rivalry between USA and France automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow V12 versus 1919 Hispano-Suiza H6B Boulogne Sport is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow V12 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 175 hp compared to 135 hp, a 40-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 Hispano-Suiza H6B relies on a Inline-6 SOHC with 6,597 cc. The 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow V12 claims a higher top speed at 115 mph compared to 93 mph. The Hispano-Suiza H6B carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1632 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 Hispano-Suiza H6B's 2,600 examples. On the collector market, the 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow V12 commands a significant premium over the 1919 Hispano-Suiza H6B Boulogne Sport, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.