USA vs USA — 1953 vs 1956
| Starliner Commander V8 | Golden Hawk Supercharged | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 185 hp | 275 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 330 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,244 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | 8.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 110 mph | 125 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 16.0 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,600 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,023 mm | 3,048 mm |
| Length | 5,029 mm | 5,156 mm |
| Units Produced | 13,058 | 4,356 |
| Original MSRP | — | $3,095 |
| Value (Excellent) | $75,000 | $65,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 7/10 |
The 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1953 Studebaker Starliner Commander V8 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 Starliner Commander V8 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. The 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged holds a clear advantage in raw power with 275 hp compared to 185 hp, a 90-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Studebaker Starliner uses a V8 OHV displacing 4,244 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 10.5 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.