Packard Twelve

vs

Hispano-Suiza J12

USA vs Spain — 1934 vs 1931

Packard Twelve (1934)
Hispano-Suiza J12 (1931)
Specifications
Twelve 1508 Dietrich VictoriaJ12
Horsepower175 hp220 hp
Torque335 lb-ft
Engine Size7,299 cc9,424 cc
0-60 mph18.0 sec
Top Speed95 mph
¼ Mile21.0 sec
Wheelbase3,683 mm3,810 mm
Length5,690 mm5,600 mm
Units Produced120
Value (Excellent)$1,500,000$5,000,000
Collectibility5/105/10
Rarity9/1010/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1934 Packard Twelve 1508 Dietrich Victoria brings better value to the table, and the 1931 Hispano-Suiza J12 answers with more power. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

The rivalry between USA and Spain automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1934 Packard Twelve 1508 Dietrich Victoria versus 1931 Hispano-Suiza J12 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1931 Hispano-Suiza J12 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 220 hp compared to 175 hp, a 45-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Packard Twelve uses a V12 L-Head 24V displacing 7,299 cc, while the Hispano-Suiza J12 relies on a V12 with 9,424 cc. On the collector market, the 1931 Hispano-Suiza J12 commands a significant premium over the 1934 Packard Twelve 1508 Dietrich Victoria, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.