USA vs USA — 1946 vs 1963
| Avanti R2 Supercharged | Avanti R2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 289 hp | 289 hp |
| Torque | 320 lb-ft | 330 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,736 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.3 sec | 7.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 170 mph | 150 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.0 sec | 15.8 sec |
| Weight | 3,301 lbs | 3,400 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,769 mm | 2,794 mm |
| Length | 4,870 mm | 4,877 mm |
| Units Produced | 4,643 | 3,834 |
| Original MSRP | $4,445 | $4,445 |
| Value (Excellent) | $90,000 | $125,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1946 Studebaker Avanti R2 Supercharged brings higher top speed, better value to the table, and the 1963 Studebaker Avanti R2 answers with quicker acceleration, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Studebaker Avanti. The 1946 and 1963 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1946 Studebaker Avanti R2 Supercharged producing 289 hp and the 1963 Studebaker Avanti R2 delivering 289 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Studebaker Avanti uses a V8 Paxton Supercharged R2 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 7.3 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.