USA vs USA — 1984 vs 1970
| Grand National GNX | GSX Stage 1 455 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 276 hp | 360 hp |
| Torque | 360 lb-ft | 510 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,791 cc | 7,456 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 4.7 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.4 sec | 13.4 sec |
| Weight | 3,500 lbs | 3,600 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,845 mm |
| Length | 5,059 mm | 5,156 mm |
| Units Produced | 547 | 678 |
| Original MSRP | $29,290 | $3,283 |
| Value (Excellent) | $300,000 | $250,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1984 Buick Grand National GNX brings quicker acceleration, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1970 Buick GSX Stage 1 455 answers with more power, higher top speed, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Buick has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1984 Buick Grand National GNX with the 1970 Buick GSX Stage 1 455 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1970 Buick GSX Stage 1 455 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 360 hp compared to 276 hp, a 84-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Buick Grand National uses a V6 OHV Turbocharged (Buick 3.8L) displacing 3,791 cc, while the Buick GSX relies on a V8 OHV (Buick 455 Stage 1) with 7,456 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1984 Buick Grand National GNX edges ahead at 4.7 seconds versus 5.5 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.