USA vs Italy — 1930 vs 1939
| Speedster 851/852 Supercharged | 6C 2500 Competizione | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 145 hp |
| Torque | 250 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,586 cc | 2,443 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 15.0 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 124 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 20.0 sec | — |
| Weight | — | 2,094 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,302 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Length | 4,800 mm | 4,300 mm |
| Units Produced | 500 | 4 |
| Value (Excellent) | $500,000 | $8,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 10/10 |
The 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering higher top speed, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. The 1930 Auburn Speedster 851/852 Supercharged counters with 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.
When USA engineering meets Italy craftsmanship, the result is one of the most compelling matchups in the classic car world. The 1930 Auburn Speedster 851/852 Supercharged and 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione embody their respective national automotive traditions while competing in the same arena. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1930 Auburn Speedster 851/852 Supercharged producing 150 hp and the 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione delivering 145 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Auburn Speedster uses a Inline-8 L-head Supercharged displacing 4,586 cc, while the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione relies on a Inline-6 DOHC with 2,443 cc. The 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione claims a higher top speed at 124 mph compared to 100 mph. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 4 units built, the 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione is considerably scarcer than the Auburn Speedster's 500 examples. On the collector market, the 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione commands a significant premium over the 1930 Auburn Speedster 851/852 Supercharged, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.