USA vs Spain — 1928 vs 1931
| Model J Model J Dual-Cowl Phaeton | J12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 265 hp | 220 hp |
| Torque | 380 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 6,882 cc | 9,424 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 13.0 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 116 mph | — |
| ¼ Mile | 0.0 sec | — |
| Wheelbase | 3,607 mm | 3,810 mm |
| Length | 5,690 mm | 5,600 mm |
| Units Produced | 481 | 120 |
| Value (Excellent) | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1928 Duesenberg Model J Model J Dual-Cowl Phaeton brings more power to the table, and the 1931 Hispano-Suiza J12 answers with greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between USA and Spain automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1928 Duesenberg Model J Model J Dual-Cowl Phaeton versus 1931 Hispano-Suiza J12 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1928 Duesenberg Model J Model J Dual-Cowl Phaeton holds a clear advantage in raw power with 265 hp compared to 220 hp, a 45-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Duesenberg Model J uses a Inline-8 DOHC 32V displacing 6,882 cc, while the Hispano-Suiza J12 relies on a V12 with 9,424 cc. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 120 units built, the 1931 Hispano-Suiza J12 is considerably scarcer than the Duesenberg Model J's 481 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.