USA vs USA — 1951 vs 1955
| Commodore Eight Sedan | Hornet Hollywood Hardtop | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 128 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 220 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,194 cc | 5,047 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 14.5 sec | 12.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 100 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 19.8 sec | 18.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,600 lbs | 3,600 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,124 mm | 3,150 mm |
| Length | 5,232 mm | 5,232 mm |
| Units Produced | 35,421 | 1,943 |
| Original MSRP | $2,742 | $2,769 |
| Value (Excellent) | $40,000 | $65,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 8/10 |
The 1955 Hudson Hornet Hollywood Hardtop emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, greater rarity. The 1951 Hudson Commodore Eight Sedan 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.
Within the Hudson stable, the 1951 Hudson Commodore Eight Sedan and 1955 Hudson Hornet Hollywood Hardtop represent different approaches to performance and purpose. Both carry the Hudson badge, yet each carves out its own distinct identity. The 1955 Hudson Hornet Hollywood Hardtop holds a clear advantage in raw power with 170 hp compared to 128 hp, a 42-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Hudson Commodore uses a Inline-8 L-head displacing 4,194 cc, while the Hudson Hornet relies on a Inline-6 OHV with 5,047 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1955 Hudson Hornet Hollywood Hardtop edges ahead at 12.3 seconds versus 14.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,943 units built, the 1955 Hudson Hornet Hollywood Hardtop is considerably scarcer than the Hudson Commodore's 35,421 examples. On the collector market, the 1955 Hudson Hornet Hollywood Hardtop commands a significant premium over the 1951 Hudson Commodore Eight Sedan, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.