USA vs USA — 1953 vs 1955
| Jet Jet-Liner | Hornet Hollywood Hardtop | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 106 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,307 cc | 5,047 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 16.5 sec | 12.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 85 mph | 100 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 21.5 sec | 18.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,900 lbs | 3,600 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,667 mm | 3,150 mm |
| Length | 4,851 mm | 5,232 mm |
| Units Produced | 21,143 | 1,943 |
| Original MSRP | $2,057 | $2,769 |
| Value (Excellent) | $30,000 | $65,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 8/10 |
The 1955 Hudson Hornet Hollywood Hardtop emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1953 Hudson Jet Jet-Liner counters with lighter weight, 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.
The 1953 Hudson Jet Jet-Liner and 1955 Hudson Hornet Hollywood Hardtop share a manufacturer in Hudson, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Hudson brand. The 1955 Hudson Hornet Hollywood Hardtop holds a clear advantage in raw power with 170 hp compared to 106 hp, a 64-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Hudson Jet uses a Inline-6 L-head (Hudson 202) displacing 3,307 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 16.5 seconds. The Hudson Jet carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 700 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,943 units built, the 1955 Hudson Hornet Hollywood Hardtop is considerably scarcer than the Hudson Jet's 21,143 examples. On the collector market, the 1955 Hudson Hornet Hollywood Hardtop commands a significant premium over the 1953 Hudson Jet Jet-Liner, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.