USA vs USA — 1956 vs 1958
| Golden Hawk Supercharged | Hawk | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 275 hp | 275 hp |
| Torque | 330 lb-ft | 330 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,736 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 sec | 8.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 125 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.0 sec | 16.8 sec |
| Weight | 3,600 lbs | 3,900 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,048 mm | 3,048 mm |
| Length | 5,156 mm | 5,334 mm |
| Units Produced | 4,356 | 588 |
| Original MSRP | $3,095 | $3,995 |
| Value (Excellent) | $65,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 9/10 |
Two outstanding machines, each with compelling strengths. The 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged excels in quicker acceleration, lighter weight, while the 1958 Packard Hawk stands out for greater rarity. The best advice? Drive both if you can, then follow your instincts.
Among Personal Luxury enthusiasts, the matchup between the 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged and 1958 Packard Hawk 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 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged producing 275 hp and the 1958 Packard Hawk delivering 275 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 Packard Hawk relies on a V8 OHV Supercharged with 4,736 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged edges ahead at 8.0 seconds versus 8.5 seconds. The Studebaker Golden Hawk carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 300 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 588 units built, the 1958 Packard Hawk is considerably scarcer than the Studebaker Golden Hawk's 4,356 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.