I think in order to make a valid comparison of the 455 Buick, Olds, and Pontiacs high performance engines, you would have to compare 1971-72 engines rather than just looking at the 1970 engine line up. Pontiac chose the Ram Air IV 400 engine to be its top high performance engine in 1970, while Olds and Buick used their 455 motors as their performance flagships. However, in 1971 and 1972 all three auto makers chose a low compression version of their 455 engines to be their top performance motors.
The Buick Stage 1, the Olds W-30, and the Pontiac 455 HO all performed at similar levels on regular fuel in both 1971 and 1972. When all three manufacturers had to work within the same parameters, these engines were very close in terms of power.
As far as current value, you'd have to compare the RA IV to the W-30 in 1970 and then I think their pricing would be very similar. As far as '71 and '72 goes, I think you'll find that the 455 HO, Stage I, and W-30 are also priced in the samel general range in today's musclecar market.
Jim
|