Bugatti Chiron

vs

Bugatti Type 59

France vs France — 2016 vs 1934

Bugatti Chiron (2016)
Bugatti Type 59 (1934)
Specifications
ChironType 59 Grand Prix
Horsepower1,500 hp250 hp
Torque1,180 lb-ft
Engine Size7,993 cc3,257 cc
0-60 mph2.3 sec
Top Speed261 mph162 mph
¼ Mile9.4 sec
Weight1,653 lbs
Wheelbase2,711 mm2,500 mm
Length4,544 mm3,800 mm
Units Produced5007
Value (Excellent)$5,000,000$25,000,000
Collectibility5/1010/10
Rarity9/1010/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 2016 Bugatti Chiron brings more power, higher top speed, better value to the table, and the 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Grand Prix answers with greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Bugatti has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 2016 Bugatti Chiron with the 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Grand Prix highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2016 Bugatti Chiron holds a clear advantage in raw power with 1500 hp compared to 250 hp, a 1250-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Bugatti Chiron uses a W16 Quad-Turbo DOHC 64V displacing 7,993 cc, while the Bugatti Type 59 relies on a Inline-8 DOHC Supercharged with 3,257 cc. The 2016 Bugatti Chiron claims a higher top speed at 261 mph compared to 162 mph. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 7 units built, the 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Grand Prix is considerably scarcer than the Bugatti Chiron's 500 examples. On the collector market, the 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Grand Prix commands a significant premium over the 2016 Bugatti Chiron, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Grand Prix rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.