1972 Ford Mustang vs. 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk
To start off, 1972 Ford Mustang is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk would be higher. At 5,753 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Mustang (267 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Mustang weights approximately 304 kg more than 1961 Studebaker Silver 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, 1972 Ford Mustang (417 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk. (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk. 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk | |
| Make | Ford | Studebaker |
| Model | Mustang | Silver Hawk |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5753 cc | 3050 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 417 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 111 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 68 L |
