USA vs USA — 1939 vs 1933
| Zephyr Continental | Silver Arrow | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 120 hp | 175 hp |
| Torque | 240 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,785 cc | 7,031 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 16.0 sec | 18.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 93 mph | 115 mph |
| Weight | 3,900 lbs | 5,600 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,150 mm | 3,556 mm |
| Length | 5,232 mm | 5,690 mm |
| Units Produced | 404 | 5 |
| Original MSRP | $2,840 | $10,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $175,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Continental brings quicker acceleration, lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow answers with more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
In the world of Luxury cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Continental versus the 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow. Both hail from Pre-war and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow holds a clear advantage in raw power with 175 hp compared to 120 hp, a 55-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lincoln Zephyr uses a V12 Flathead displacing 4,785 cc, while the Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow relies on a V12 OHV with 7,031 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Continental edges ahead at 16.0 seconds versus 18.0 seconds. The Lincoln Zephyr carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1700 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 5 units built, the 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow is considerably scarcer than the Lincoln Zephyr's 404 examples. On the collector market, the 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow commands a significant premium over the 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Continental, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.