USA vs USA — 1928 vs 1933
| Model J SJ Supercharged | Silver Arrow | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 320 hp | 175 hp |
| Torque | 450 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,882 cc | 7,031 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 sec | 18.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 115 mph |
| Weight | 5,500 lbs | 5,600 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,620 mm | 3,556 mm |
| Length | 5,690 mm | 5,690 mm |
| Units Produced | 481 | 5 |
| Original MSRP | $8,500 | $10,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $15,000,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1928 Duesenberg Model J SJ Supercharged brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow answers with greater rarity, better value. 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 1928 Duesenberg Model J SJ Supercharged versus the 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow. Both hail from Pre-war and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1928 Duesenberg Model J SJ Supercharged holds a clear advantage in raw power with 320 hp compared to 175 hp, a 145-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Duesenberg Model J uses a Inline-8 DOHC Supercharged displacing 6,882 cc, while the Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow relies on a V12 OHV with 7,031 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1928 Duesenberg Model J SJ Supercharged edges ahead at 8.0 seconds versus 18.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 5 units built, the 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow is considerably scarcer than the Duesenberg Model J's 481 examples.