USA vs USA — 1956 vs 1964
| Golden Hawk Supercharged | Avanti R3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 275 hp | 335 hp |
| Torque | 330 lb-ft | 380 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,736 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 160 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.0 sec | 13.8 sec |
| Weight | 3,600 lbs | 3,400 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,048 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 5,156 mm | 4,927 mm |
| Units Produced | 4,356 | 9 |
| Original MSRP | $3,095 | $6,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $65,000 | $350,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
Numbers favor the 1964 Studebaker Avanti R3 with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Studebaker has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged with the 1964 Studebaker Avanti R3 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1964 Studebaker Avanti R3 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 335 hp compared to 275 hp, a 60-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Studebaker Golden Hawk uses a V8 OHV (Packard 289 Supercharged) 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 1964 Studebaker Avanti R3 edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 8.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 9 units built, the 1964 Studebaker Avanti R3 is considerably scarcer than the Studebaker Golden Hawk's 4,356 examples. On the collector market, the 1964 Studebaker Avanti R3 commands a significant premium over the 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1964 Studebaker Avanti R3 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.