UK vs USA — 1929 vs 1930
| Phantom II Continental | V-16 Madame X | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 120 hp | 165 hp |
| Engine Size | 7,668 cc | 7,413 cc |
| Top Speed | 92 mph | 100 mph |
| Weight | 4,850 lbs | 6,000 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,658 mm | 3,734 mm |
| Length | 5,000 mm | 5,842 mm |
| Units Produced | 278 | 3,878 |
| Original MSRP | — | $5,350 |
| Value (Excellent) | $3,000,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental brings lighter weight, greater rarity to the table, and the 1930 Cadillac V-16 Madame X answers with more power, higher top speed, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between UK and USA automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental versus 1930 Cadillac V-16 Madame X is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1930 Cadillac V-16 Madame X holds a clear advantage in raw power with 165 hp compared to 120 hp, a 45-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental uses a Inline-6 OHV displacing 7,668 cc, while the Cadillac V-16 relies on a V16 OHV with 7,413 cc. The 1930 Cadillac V-16 Madame X claims a higher top speed at 100 mph compared to 92 mph. The Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1150 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 278 units built, the 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental is considerably scarcer than the Cadillac V-16's 3,878 examples.