What is the gas mileage of a Hudson Hornet?
The Hudson Hornet’s gas mileage varies by year and configuration, but most examples fall roughly in the 18–25 miles per gallon range, with lower city figures and higher highway figures; there were no standardized EPA ratings in the 1950s.
Context: mileage in an era without standardized tests
In the 1950s, manufacturers reported mileage based on internal tests or dealer data rather than a single federal standard. As a result, mpg figures for the Hornet can differ widely by model, engine tune, transmission, and driving conditions. This article synthesizes typical ranges reported by enthusiasts, restoration guides, and period road tests.
Estimated ranges for highway, city, and combined driving
Before listing the numbers, note that these reflect common experiences among owners and period testing, not a single official figure.
- Highway mileage: approximately 18–25 miles per gallon (mpg), depending on gearing, maintenance, and steady-speed driving.
- City mileage: roughly 12–18 mpg, influenced by stop-and-go traffic, load, and engine tuning.
- Combined driving: around 15–22 mpg, influenced by conditions and configuration.
These ranges illustrate typical results; actual mileage can vary significantly with the car’s condition and how it is driven today.
What influences Hornet fuel economy
Several design and condition factors can swing the numbers, especially on a vintage car where tuning and maintenance matter as much as the chassis.
- Engine configuration and carburetion: the Hornet used a 308 cubic inch inline-six with variations such as Twin H-Power, which affected both power and efficiency.
- Transmission and gearing: 3-speed manuals were common; automatic options and final-drive ratios affect highway economy.
- Weight and aerodynamics: heavier trim and chrome details add drag and mass, reducing efficiency compared with lighter, modern vehicles.
- Maintenance and tire conditions: proper timing, spark, carburetor calibration, aligned wheels, and correct tire pressure can improve mileage.
- Driving style and terrain: steady speeds and smooth acceleration help; frequent stopping and hilly terrain reduce mpg.
With those caveats in mind, many Hornet owners today report mileage in the teens for city driving and into the 20s for steady highway runs, with care and tuning able to push numbers higher or lower.
Summary
In short, the Hudson Hornet’s gas mileage is not fixed and depends on year, model, and condition. Typical highway figures sit in the upper teens to mid‑20s mpg, city driving in the low to mid‑teens, and combined driving often landing in the mid to high teens. For collectors and restorers, mileage is a secondary concern to historical value, performance, and authenticity.
How many miles per gallon does a Hudson Hornet get?
17 mpg‑US
The Hornet's performance delivered up to 100 mph (161 km/h) and "quasi-thrifty" 17 mpg‑US (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg‑imp) fuel economy. Although the Hornet's redesign positioned it equally with its contemporaries in terms of looks and style, the redesign came too late to boost sales.
How much horsepower does a 1951 Hudson Hornet have?
The 1951 Hudson Hornet's base engine produced 145 horsepower, thanks to its 308 cubic-inch L-head inline-six engine. With an optional "Twin H-Power" setup that included twin carburetors, the horsepower was increased to 170 horsepower.
- Base model: 145 horsepower
- Twin H-Power option: 170 horsepower
- Engine: 308 cubic-inch L-head inline-six
What was the top speed of the Hudson Hornet?
The top speed of a Hudson Hornet varied depending on the model and modifications, but it was generally around 107-110 mph for the Twin H-Power version. Stock racing versions could reach 112-117 mph, with some modified racing versions achieving speeds of 120 mph or more.
This video shows the acceleration of a 1952 Hudson Hornet with Twin H Power: 54sLou CostabileYouTube · Jun 27, 2025
- Stock models: Around 107-110 mph for the Twin H-Power model, which was considered the fastest production American car at the time.
- Racing models: Tuned and modified for racing, these could reach up to 112-117 mph.
- Highly modified: Some very specific, professionally modified racing versions achieved higher speeds, with one record-holding 1952 Hudson Hornet clocking an average of 122.683 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats.
What caused Doc Hudson's death?
Couldn't keep going. And personally. I love this idea. We're all only given a short time to be alive. And most of us will have no control over what our final moments might look like but for Doc.
