USA vs Spain — 1936 vs 1931
| 810/812 Supercharged | J12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 195 hp | 220 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 4,729 cc | 9,424 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 13.0 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 110 mph | — |
| ¼ Mile | 19.0 sec | — |
| Wheelbase | 3,251 mm | 3,810 mm |
| Length | 4,953 mm | 5,600 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 120 |
| Value (Excellent) | $300,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1936 Cord 810/812 Supercharged brings better value to the table, and the 1931 Hispano-Suiza J12 answers with more power. 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 1936 Cord 810/812 Supercharged versus 1931 Hispano-Suiza J12 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1931 Hispano-Suiza J12 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 220 hp compared to 195 hp, a 25-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Cord 810/812 uses a V8 L-head displacing 4,729 cc, while the Hispano-Suiza J12 relies on a V12 with 9,424 cc. On the collector market, the 1931 Hispano-Suiza J12 commands a significant premium over the 1936 Cord 810/812 Supercharged, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.