1961 Ford Zodiac vs. 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk
To start off, 1961 Ford Zodiac is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk would be higher. At 5,768 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk (271 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk weights approximately 284 kg more than 1961 Ford Zodiac. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk (515 Nm) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm). This means 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk | |
| Make | Ford | Studebaker |
| Model | Zodiac | Sky Hawk |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 5768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2980 mm |
