USA vs USA — 1953 vs 1955
| Hornet 7-X Racing Engine | Safari Custom 2-Door Wagon | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 210 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 290 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,047 cc | 4,703 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.5 sec | 12.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 110 mph | 105 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.5 sec | 18.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,600 lbs | 3,650 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,150 mm | 2,997 mm |
| Length | 5,283 mm | 5,131 mm |
| Units Produced | 43,596 | 9,835 |
| Original MSRP | $2,769 | $2,962 |
| Value (Excellent) | $75,000 | $120,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Two outstanding machines, each with compelling strengths. The 1953 Hudson Hornet 7-X Racing Engine excels in higher top speed, stronger collectibility, better value, while the 1955 Pontiac Safari Custom 2-Door Wagon stands out for quicker acceleration, greater rarity. The best advice? Drive both if you can, then follow your instincts.
Among Full-size enthusiasts, the matchup between the 1953 Hudson Hornet 7-X Racing Engine and 1955 Pontiac Safari Custom 2-Door Wagon is one for the ages. These Post-war machines competed directly for buyers' attention and continue to vie for collectors' affections today. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1953 Hudson Hornet 7-X Racing Engine producing 210 hp and the 1955 Pontiac Safari Custom 2-Door Wagon delivering 200 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Hudson Hornet uses a Inline-6 L-head (Hudson H-145) displacing 5,047 cc, while the Pontiac Safari relies on a V8 OHV (Strato-Streak) with 4,703 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1955 Pontiac Safari Custom 2-Door Wagon edges ahead at 12.5 seconds versus 12.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 9,835 units built, the 1955 Pontiac Safari Custom 2-Door Wagon is considerably scarcer than the Hudson Hornet's 43,596 examples.