1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk would be higher. At 3,041 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 260 kg more than 1959 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk. (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Studebaker |
| Model | S | Silver Hawk |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3041 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 111 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 68 L |
