USA vs USA — 1956 vs 1962
| Golden Hawk Supercharged | Gran Turismo Hawk R2 Supercharged | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 275 hp | 240 hp |
| Torque | 330 lb-ft | 335 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,736 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 sec | 7.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 120 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.0 sec | 16.1 sec |
| Weight | 3,600 lbs | 3,400 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,048 mm | 3,048 mm |
| Length | 5,156 mm | 5,156 mm |
| Units Produced | 4,356 | 592 |
| Original MSRP | $3,095 | $3,095 |
| Value (Excellent) | $65,000 | $85,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 9/10 |
Two outstanding machines, each with compelling strengths. The 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged excels in more power, higher top speed, while the 1962 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk R2 Supercharged stands out for quicker acceleration, lighter weight, greater rarity. The best advice? Drive both if you can, then follow your instincts.
The 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Supercharged and 1962 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk R2 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 240 hp, a 35-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 Gran Turismo Hawk relies on a V8 OHV with 4,736 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1962 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk R2 Supercharged edges ahead at 7.8 seconds versus 8.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 592 units built, the 1962 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk R2 Supercharged is considerably scarcer than the Studebaker Golden Hawk's 4,356 examples.