USA vs USA — 1953 vs 1956
| Hawk Golden Hawk | Golden Hawk Supercharged | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 275 hp | 275 hp |
| Torque | 320 lb-ft | 330 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,736 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 sec | 8.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 125 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.0 sec | 16.0 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,600 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,048 mm | 3,048 mm |
| Length | 5,156 mm | 5,156 mm |
| Units Produced | 4,071 | 4,356 |
| Original MSRP | — | $3,095 |
| Value (Excellent) | $90,000 | $65,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 7/10 |
The 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, stronger collectibility. The 1953 Studebaker Hawk Golden Hawk counters with its unique character, 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.
The 1953 Studebaker Hawk Golden Hawk and 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged share a manufacturer in Studebaker, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Studebaker brand. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1953 Studebaker Hawk Golden Hawk producing 275 hp and the 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged delivering 275 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Studebaker Hawk uses a V8 OHV 16V Supercharged displacing 4,736 cc, while the Studebaker Golden Hawk relies on a V8 OHV (Packard 289 Supercharged) with 4,736 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged edges ahead at 8.0 seconds versus 8.0 seconds. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.