1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is newer by 17 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 54 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk.
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 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (359 Nm). This means 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 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. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Studebaker |
| Model | 450 | Sky Hawk |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4520 cc | 5768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2980 mm |
