USA vs USA — 1939 vs 1931
| Zephyr Continental | Sixteen | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 120 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 240 lb-ft | 500 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,785 cc | 8,064 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 16.0 sec | 20.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 93 mph | 100 mph |
| Weight | 3,900 lbs | 5,600 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,150 mm | 3,835 mm |
| Length | 5,232 mm | 5,791 mm |
| Units Produced | 404 | 390 |
| Original MSRP | $2,840 | $5,200 |
| Value (Excellent) | $175,000 | $650,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Continental brings quicker acceleration, lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 1931 Marmon Sixteen answers with more power, higher top speed, stronger collectibility. 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 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Continental versus the 1931 Marmon Sixteen. Both hail from Pre-war and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1931 Marmon Sixteen holds a clear advantage in raw power with 200 hp compared to 120 hp, a 80-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lincoln Zephyr uses a V12 Flathead displacing 4,785 cc, while the Marmon Sixteen relies on a V16 OHV with 8,064 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Continental edges ahead at 16.0 seconds versus 20.0 seconds. The Lincoln Zephyr carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1700 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1931 Marmon Sixteen commands a significant premium over the 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Continental, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.