USA vs USA — 1956 vs 1959
| Caribbean Convertible | Coupe de Ville 390 V8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 325 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft | 420 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,129 cc | 6,390 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | 10.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 120 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.8 sec | 17.8 sec |
| Weight | 4,700 lbs | 4,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,200 mm | 3,302 mm |
| Length | 5,588 mm | 5,715 mm |
| Units Produced | 263 | 21,924 |
| Original MSRP | $5,995 | $5,252 |
| Value (Excellent) | $175,000 | $150,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 5/10 |
Two outstanding machines, each with compelling strengths. The 1956 Packard Caribbean Convertible excels in quicker acceleration, greater rarity, stronger collectibility, while the 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville 390 V8 stands out for higher top speed, better value. The best advice? Drive both if you can, then follow your instincts.
Among Luxury enthusiasts, the matchup between the 1956 Packard Caribbean Convertible and 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville 390 V8 is one for the ages. These Post-war machines competed directly for buyers' attention and continue to vie for collectors' affections today. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1956 Packard Caribbean Convertible producing 310 hp and the 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville 390 V8 delivering 325 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Packard Caribbean uses a V8 OHV (Packard 374) displacing 6,129 cc, while the Cadillac Coupe de Ville relies on a V8 OHV (Cadillac 390) with 6,390 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1956 Packard Caribbean Convertible edges ahead at 10.5 seconds versus 10.8 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 263 units built, the 1956 Packard Caribbean Convertible is considerably scarcer than the Cadillac Coupe de Ville's 21,924 examples.