1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk
To start off, 1968 Buick Riviera is newer by 12 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 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk. (271 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 425 kg more than 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk. 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk. (515 Nm). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk has manual transmission. 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk | |
| Make | Buick | Studebaker |
| Model | Riviera | Sky Hawk |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 5768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2980 mm |
