2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 48 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk weights approximately 384 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk. (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk | |
| Make | Ford | Studebaker |
| Model | Explorer | Silver Hawk |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1961 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 3050 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 68 L |
