USA vs USA — 1929 vs 1935
| 810/812 812 Supercharged | Model J LaGrande Dual-Cowl Phaeton | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 190 hp | 265 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,729 cc | 6,882 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 13.0 sec | 10.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 110 mph | 115 mph |
| Weight | 3,902 lbs | 5,600 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,175 mm | 3,988 mm |
| Length | 4,953 mm | 5,790 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,320 | 36 |
| Original MSRP | $2,545 | $17,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $500,000 | $8,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 10/10 |
The 1935 Duesenberg Model J LaGrande Dual-Cowl Phaeton emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1929 Cord 810/812 812 Supercharged counters with lighter weight, better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Among Luxury enthusiasts, the matchup between the 1929 Cord 810/812 812 Supercharged and 1935 Duesenberg Model J LaGrande Dual-Cowl Phaeton is one for the ages. These Pre-war machines competed directly for buyers' attention and continue to vie for collectors' affections today. The 1935 Duesenberg Model J LaGrande Dual-Cowl Phaeton holds a clear advantage in raw power with 265 hp compared to 190 hp, a 75-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Cord 810/812 uses a V8 Lycoming Supercharged displacing 4,729 cc, while the Duesenberg Model J relies on a Inline-8 DOHC with 6,882 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1935 Duesenberg Model J LaGrande Dual-Cowl Phaeton edges ahead at 10.5 seconds versus 13.0 seconds. The Cord 810/812 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1698 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 36 units built, the 1935 Duesenberg Model J LaGrande Dual-Cowl Phaeton is considerably scarcer than the Cord 810/812's 2,320 examples. On the collector market, the 1935 Duesenberg Model J LaGrande Dual-Cowl Phaeton commands a significant premium over the 1929 Cord 810/812 812 Supercharged, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.