USA vs UK — 1930 vs 1938
| Speedster 851/852 Supercharged | SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 125 hp |
| Torque | 250 lb-ft | 170 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,586 cc | 3,485 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 15.0 sec | 10.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 100 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 20.0 sec | — |
| Weight | — | 2,632 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,302 mm | 2,667 mm |
| Length | 4,800 mm | 3,962 mm |
| Units Produced | 500 | 118 |
| Value (Excellent) | $500,000 | $750,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1930 Auburn Speedster 851/852 Supercharged brings more power, better value to the table, and the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster answers with quicker acceleration, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between USA and UK automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1930 Auburn Speedster 851/852 Supercharged versus 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1930 Auburn Speedster 851/852 Supercharged holds a clear advantage in raw power with 150 hp compared to 125 hp, a 25-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Auburn Speedster uses a Inline-8 L-head Supercharged displacing 4,586 cc, while the Jaguar SS100 relies on a Inline-6 OHV with 3,485 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster edges ahead at 10.4 seconds versus 15.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 118 units built, the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster is considerably scarcer than the Auburn Speedster's 500 examples. On the collector market, the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1930 Auburn Speedster 851/852 Supercharged, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.