USA vs USA — 1956 vs 1963
| Golden Hawk Supercharged | Avanti R2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 275 hp | 289 hp |
| Torque | 330 lb-ft | 330 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,736 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 sec | 7.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 150 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.0 sec | 15.8 sec |
| Weight | 3,600 lbs | 3,400 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,048 mm | 2,794 mm |
| Length | 5,156 mm | 4,877 mm |
| Units Produced | 4,356 | 3,834 |
| Original MSRP | $3,095 | $4,445 |
| Value (Excellent) | $65,000 | $125,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Numbers favor the 1963 Studebaker Avanti R2 with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, lighter weight. The 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Studebaker has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged with the 1963 Studebaker Avanti R2 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged producing 275 hp and the 1963 Studebaker Avanti R2 delivering 289 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Studebaker Golden Hawk uses a V8 OHV (Packard 289 Supercharged) displacing 4,736 cc, while the Studebaker Avanti relies on a V8 OHV Supercharged with 4,736 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1963 Studebaker Avanti R2 edges ahead at 7.3 seconds versus 8.0 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.