Cadillac V-16

vs

Cadillac Coupe de Ville

USA vs USA — 1930 vs 1959

Cadillac V-16 (1930)
Cadillac Coupe de Ville (1959)
Specifications
V-16 Madame XCoupe de Ville 390 V8
Horsepower165 hp325 hp
Torque420 lb-ft
Engine Size7,413 cc6,390 cc
0-60 mph10.8 sec
Top Speed100 mph120 mph
¼ Mile17.8 sec
Weight6,000 lbs4,800 lbs
Wheelbase3,734 mm3,302 mm
Length5,842 mm5,715 mm
Units Produced3,87821,924
Original MSRP$5,350$5,252
Value (Excellent)$1,500,000$150,000
Collectibility10/109/10
Rarity10/105/10
The Verdict

Numbers favor the 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville 390 V8 with more power, higher top speed, lighter weight. The 1930 Cadillac V-16 Madame X offers greater rarity, stronger collectibility, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.

Overview

Cadillac has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1930 Cadillac V-16 Madame X with the 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville 390 V8 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville 390 V8 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 325 hp compared to 165 hp, a 160-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Cadillac V-16 uses a V16 OHV displacing 7,413 cc, while the Cadillac Coupe de Ville relies on a V8 OHV (Cadillac 390) with 6,390 cc. The 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville 390 V8 claims a higher top speed at 120 mph compared to 100 mph. The Cadillac Coupe de Ville carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1200 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 3,878 units built, the 1930 Cadillac V-16 Madame X is considerably scarcer than the Cadillac Coupe de Ville's 21,924 examples. On the collector market, the 1930 Cadillac V-16 Madame X commands a significant premium over the 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville 390 V8, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.