[QUOTE=70ra455]I know all of that but isn't it true that the Pontiac engine and the Olds engine were rated the same horsepower? And just a huge note here: The W-30 is FAR OUTPACING THE RA4 as far as prices go.
Your correct, horsepower was about the same. ’70 455 GTO = 360hp vs 70 455 442 = 365hp (W-30 455 = 370hp). Torque is the same, both the Pontiac and Olds produced 500lb-ft. The Olds had a little more stroke 4.25 vs Pontiac 4.21. However, I don’t think engine specs have anything to do with the pricing of these cars today. I believe it is all perception related to several factors. First factor is production numbers, there were far fewer ’70 442s produced (19,330) than ’70 GTOs (40,149). Breaking it down further 3,100 W-30s vs 4,146 455 GTOs produced in 1970. Today, there are probably fewer 442s and W-30s that show up on the auction block or listed for sale in publications. Second factor is the “big block/big engine” perception, in 1970 GTOs came standard with the 400CID vs the 442 came standard with the 455CID. So there is the perception out there that all ‘70 442s come with a “big block” and the GTO comes with a “small block” (which you and I know isn’t the case with Pontiacs). With this “big block/small block” mentality out there, the average prices of a standard 400 cid GTO, probably pull the average price down of the ’70 455 equipped GTOs (kind of like the small houses pull down the price of the big houses on the same street). Third factor is the Marketing perception out there originally created by GM that within the GM family of brands, Oldsmobiles were known to be more expensive and better engineered than Pontiacs. And the last factor, there are probably buyers out there that want something different to own and show other than a Chevelle SS or a Pontiac GTO and willing to pay more to own something less seen on the show field. That’s my take on all of this. Today's market is really wierd, other than perception I still can't figure out why a Hemi Cuda Convertible goes for so much more money than a '69 T/A Convertible?
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