USA vs USA — 1951 vs 1955
| Commodore Eight Sedan | Safari Custom 2-Door Wagon | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 128 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 220 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,194 cc | 4,703 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 14.5 sec | 12.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 105 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 19.8 sec | 18.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,600 lbs | 3,650 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,124 mm | 2,997 mm |
| Length | 5,232 mm | 5,131 mm |
| Units Produced | 35,421 | 9,835 |
| Original MSRP | $2,742 | $2,962 |
| Value (Excellent) | $40,000 | $120,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 8/10 |
The 1955 Pontiac Safari Custom 2-Door Wagon emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. 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.
Among Full-size enthusiasts, the matchup between the 1951 Hudson Commodore Eight Sedan 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. The 1955 Pontiac Safari Custom 2-Door Wagon holds a clear advantage in raw power with 200 hp compared to 128 hp, a 72-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 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 14.5 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 Commodore's 35,421 examples. On the collector market, the 1955 Pontiac Safari Custom 2-Door Wagon commands a significant premium over the 1951 Hudson Commodore Eight Sedan, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1955 Pontiac Safari Custom 2-Door Wagon rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.