1979 GMC Suburban vs. 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk
To start off, 1979 GMC Suburban is newer by 20 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 GMC Suburban (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 882 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.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1979 GMC Suburban (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk. (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk | |
| Make | GMC | Studebaker |
| Model | Suburban | Silver Hawk |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1959 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3041 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3070 mm |
