1969 Chevrolet Chevelle vs 1987 Buick GNX - Generation Gap: Muscle Cars
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ต.ค. 2014
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In the latest episode of Generation Gap, Matt and Davin have brought the muscle. Matt’s pick, a 1987 Buick GNX, is arguably one of the best muscle cars to come out of the 1980s, with a McLaren Performance-tuned turbo-charged V-6 putting 245 hp and 360 ft.-lb. of torque to the ground. Davin thought he could slip one by with this unassuming 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle. The secret is that it’s a rare COPO with the 427-cid engine with 425 hp and 460 ft.-lb. of torque. This Chevelle looks like grandma’s car, but goes like a Yenko.
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Taking nothing away from the Chevelle, the GNX was & still is drop dead gorgeous.
Agreed!
Baily DenhHouten other 2? Did you forget there was more than one F body?
kcotte59 you sir are a douchebag for even mentioning a Korean car...don't see any die hard fans of those or shows dedicated to them neither... throw away, disposable transportation for mindless loser!
kcotte59 You lost me at The Killed In Actions.
Jeremy Smith. Truth hurts, don’t it? KIA Stinger. 363HP (SAE Net.. not overestimated SAE Gross), 0-60 4.4 seconds. 1/4 mile 12.9 seconds. Has four doors, can fit four full sized adults and all of their luggage comfortably.
GNX. I think the reason GM killed it, is it was making the Corvette look like a turd.
Corvettes were ALWAYS turds
*2 speed*
Yes, you are correct. That is why it's hp is underrated.
Yep
You are so right.
I am a die hard MOPAR guy but that GNX has me drooling! I want one. GNX for the win.
BAMM
Same
No offense but that sounded pretty bad because the Chevrolet Chevelle is a Chevrolet (GM) and mopar is (Chrysler. Dodge. Jeep. Ram) so neither of those are mopar
@@gabrielledford6294 you might want to reread my comment bruh.
I remember when I was in high school in the early 90's, me like most of my friends had a job flippin burgers. Except for my friend John. He got a job at a local car lot detailing cars. It was a Nissan/Subaru dealership. On occasion he would pull up in one of the used cars from the lot that he really liked while taking it for a spin. Many times he would be in a 300ZX as this being a Nissan dealer that car was fairly common. One spring day in 92, me and two friends were sitting in a Kmart parking lot on a Saturday afternoon having some burgers. We were in my friend Justin's 69 Chevelle. It wasn't a red Copo though. It was an olive green Chevelle with a 250ci straight six. Out of nowhere we see this haunting black on black coupe lurch into the parking lot and instantly turn the tires into smoke, start doing donuts and then pull up beside us. 'What's up assholes?!" the driver yelled out. Once the smoke cleared we could see it was our friend John. He was driving an 87 buick GNX. It was a recent trade in and only had 11,000 miles on it. He ranted and raved for 20 minutes about how insane the car was before taking it backto the dealer. To be honest, none of us at the time had the slightest clue about what the 87 GNX was. Well, except maybe for John. We have all hit our 40th birthday in the last few years. My friend John still rambles about that car and the permanent impression it left on him. None of us realized that the car would end up a rare gem in the collectable car segment. Whatever the era, you just can't beat those days during high school driving around with your friends.
Thanks for that story, were you guys listening to the cars, magic?
👍👍👍👍👍👍
Wait, you never raced them? C'mon man!
My vote is hands down Buick GNX.
+Gene Still I have to say the same, I'm more of a '69/'72 Camaro fan than a Chevelle. The Grand national is just so unique because it's probably the only "American" car from the 80s that I can think of that had anything close to that performance.
+Carter Stokoe 9a? lol never heard of the drop some #7 heads or atleast 5A heads,I have a 85 442 with a 307 headers,mild cam and dual exhausts pushing 240hp and 300ft lbs of torque not bad for a 307
You kidding me. There is a reason chevelles are loved by so many and the gnx is ugly. I know someone with a turbo charged 80s cougar which is very similar and he would trade it any day
Gene Still I like both. I always have a hard time choosing between these two. Or any other classic muscle car or any classic car for that matter.
I love all GM muscle, but in my opinion that is the ugliest year of V8 Malibu out there. It cannot hold a candle to the GN-X style wise. Now consider the times both operated in and the Chevelle is a wallflower and the GN-X is a world beater compared to it's contemporaries.
The GNX is rated at 276 HP from the factory but definitely underated more like 300 HP. Both cars are awesome in there own way my pick is the GNX it's just badass.
@tyler amburg Agreed
@tyler amburg Very similar story here with my 78 gutless cutlass V8! lol It was an 87 T type that bit me hard...
Exactly!
Chevelle for me. 427 c.i. Beast engine, no substitution.
I was never a big chevy guy.....was into old trans ams (400 ram air and the 455 ho and even had a 73 with the 455 super duty) then I went into turbo buicks (86/87) and had 11 of them over the years from 1996 through 2010.
I remember I always wanted to put a 427 chevy into one of the chevy trucks I had and could not find one but did put a 1970 400 sbc into my 1981 chevy truck which was pretty decent. Still, nothing like a 427 chevy built right.....had a friend that had one in a nova and it was fast and a blast to drive.
Also in the early 90's a guy in my neighborhood had a 1970 chevelle he restored but cloned it into a 454 car and it was a blast to ride in. Good torque and would walk past most people on the top end of the 1/4 mile with that 500 plus horsepower.
I had some very bad luck and lost everything about 10 years ago then started over but got sick 4 years ago and not going to ever get better so I will never have anymore muscle cars but IF I ever hit the lottery I will get a 427 and stuff it into a 1970 chevelle.....as well as a few other cars....lol.
Yes, I do kick myself for ever selling the 1973 super duty TA by the way....I cammed it and made some other adjustments like better exhaust, recurved the distributor, and some other little things......the exhaust and cam helped really wake that beast on up to its full potential. EVERYTHING on that 455SD motor was special from the higher nickel content block with extra webbing
in the lifter valley area to the ultra strong connecting rods. YES....in 1986 I went through my first divorce, got depressed and sold that TA and the other TA and firebirds I had........STUPID!
Always loved these Grand Nationals. I have to go with the Buick. Respect to the Chevelle though.
The GNX is just such a beautiful car.
you mean the regal is a beautiful car
You mean the GNX and Regal are ugly?
azhurelwarrior
i just have to ask Azhure how old are you? Maybe its an age thing, im 46 and I think the regal/gn/gnx is just beautiful clean bodystyle. I know a lot of younger people dont "get it" and Im trying to figure out if thats your situation. Reply if you can.
I'm 14. I'm pretty sure age has nothing to do with this. Most 14 year olds would be arguing that a Bugatti Veyron is better looking. Also, I asked my step-dad who works on cars for a living he's also in his 40's and he thinks the car looks like trash too.
azhurelwarrior Thing with cars is they don't have to be aesthetically pleasing to be beautiful. I mean the GNX had McLaren parts and assembly for christs sake.
This is why GNX is a classic drag choice, It's fucking amazing.
But... I love the fact the Fuel cap is in the rear, not the side.
GNX was under-rated at 276hp and 360lb-ft. Actually made 300hp/420lb-ft
"Off the dyno the GNX engine is up 55 bhp from the standard Grand National's rating to 300 at 4400, while torque climbs from 355 to 420 at 2400 rpm." Road & Track
comapred to the GN...
"Turbo boost is a bit higher, 16.0 psi in 1st and 2nd gears versus 15.0, with a maximum of 14.0 in 3rd and 10.0 (unchanged) in 4th."
"Buick said one major reason for the 124-mph limit on the Grand National is the lack of V-rated P215/65R-15 tires.
The GNX gets the proper rubber, Goodyear Gatorbacks measuring P245/50VR-16s for the front wheels and P255/50VR-15s at the back. Buick keeps the rev limiter set for 124 mph."
"When R&T tested a Grand National, we got to 60 mph in 6.0 sec and through the quarter mile in 14.7 sec at 94.0 mph.....with just a little tire warming, 0-60s in the 5.6-5.7 range came easily and repeatedly. The best of our quarter miles was 13.8 with speedometer readings in the 104-mph range."
Turbo Trans am was the fastest turbo car of the 80's.
959 is a true supercar. I don't even think it is fair to compare it to a Buick. It is everything 1980s Porsche could throw on a car. And priced accordingly. You want one today? Get ready to write a check with 7 digits.
FBI and a few police departments had GN's without the limiter. They were 150 MPH cars. No lie.
89 Turbo Trans Am runs mid 13s easy
@@drgonzo767 How is this relevant? at all?
@@drgonzo767 This is very true. I worked at a Goodyear Dealer that had one of these roll in one day to get Z rated tires. Dude wouldn't say what department but paper work was Government pricing. I took it as FBI. A friend of mine also had one that did not have V rate tires when new. They were hard to get even at the manufacturer level. Buick sent him a recall for a recalibration. I told him don't do it the recall was because of his tires. The dealer called and insisted or his warranty would be void. We put what was left of the FBI tires on it. When the dealer saw it, they scratched their head trying to figure out how this car was on the right tires. No PROM switch out. Old tires went back on. He never drove it like that. He did put the hammer on several Corvettes drag racing it.
Buick needs to bring back the GNX.
Conor McTrumper it would ruin how cool the old cars are though
The old big block muscle car enthusiasts hated the buwick Gen X.
GM ordered a halt to production to the proverbial "dark horse" because it was too radical for it's day and embarrased the competition. It was shot down like the U2 blackbird. They say if not by force, then by stealth. The Buwick Gen X was both.
They sorta did but it was front wheel drive 😔
Yea they only made 547GNX'S
@@troygadbois2051 The U2 & Blackbird are 2 different machines. The Blackbird is the SR-22.
7:30 - You know you have a fast car when it can make 2 grown men giggle like little schoolgirls :)
Both cars are old, and classics. I actually like the GNX here. Has that boxy sleeper look to it.
I like the GNX as well!
Chevelle over GNX always because I'm a classic muscle kind of guy.
Something about that Buick that makes me go week at the knees. It was a mad car then and still is today. Just looks the business.
If the two cars was parked up it be the Buick that I be walking around.
TheDutyPaid 6r
Because it looks more like your tight budget
@@CaptainFALKEN didn't know 50 grand was pocket change for you
@@raz_nick4048 gnx sits about twice as much as that now
I pick the chevelle. 3 pedals on the floor in a great car. I still really like the Buick though. Would be happy with either
GNX 0 to 60 in 4,7 or 4.5 is what I always heard is still amazing for today's standards
2 of my all time FAVORITE American muscle cars in this episode today. If you research both of these vehicles, you will be amazed as to the rarity and exclusivity they both represent and how underrated they were in their time and throughout the mainstream automotive media... Amazing vehicles and a top notch episode! Thank You
I usually pull for the older car in this series, but GNX takes it hands down on this one.
GNX!!!!!! NOTHING ELSE chevelle it's awesome but,GNX it rules
Probably my top 2 dream cars. My 1st car was a '69 Chevelle. Straight 6 sedan so nothing special, but it was mine and I learned all I could about Chevelle's, including the COPO's. I was in college in '87 and saw a Grand National in the wild. I took off at a stop light next to it. I heard it make a click, then it was gone. Holly cow, never saw anything that fast. I've been in love ever since. I want both... or maybe one of those FBI GNX's.
Both really great cars for their times. If I had to choose one of those two I'd have to go with the GNX, and only because it would make a better daily driver, traffic temperament/amenities/comfort wise.
Why does he keep saying its only 245HP? The GNX's where advertised at 276. Yes, the regular GN's where 245, but this isnt a regular GN.
Steven D it's called a t-type....
The GNX was actually 300 hp
Andrew Sauve wrong. Steven D is correct.
And the dyno says......
Also a little difference between gross horse power, and net horsepower ratings. They are closer then you think.
yes, GNX ,,,i love em both, love BB Chevs, but GNX is the best of the best
I own a '69 COPO Camaro with the same engine, and I at one time owned a '87 GN (not a GNX) Both were mildly modified. The Camaro has headers and P295 rear tires, and a better clutch and ignition. The 4:10 gears are gone and replaced with 3:31. The GN had alcohol injection, same width tires as Camaro, better exhaust, 3:42 gears, better turbo, and modified transmission. Here's a real world comparison. When I drive my Camaro, you stink like exhaust, you slide around in the seat, the ride is rough, as is the jerking between shifts. It's noisy, but it's fun to go out in the country and raise some hell. The GN starts right up, sounds good, doesn't leave your clothes smelling like exhaust, rides beautifully, and continuously pulls through all the gears. It had a/c, it had p/s, it had a radio and plush interior. They both would leave long black marks, but the GN would go straight, the Camaro had a mind of its own (once I spun out and jumped the curb sideways why power shifting into 2nd gear. It knocked both right side tires off the wheels)! The Camaro runs 12:80's when it hooks, the GN ran mid 12's all day long, and got twice the fuel mileage, and NEVER over-heated like the Camaro does... There's some real facts, instead of two clowns pulling numbers out of their ass.
GNX. It looks sinister but reserved, like something a mob boss would drive.
Yep
or FBI... story there..
@@curtmaas68 lets hear it
my vote is for the 69 chevelle! tho id prefer it if it were the 70 :P
I have #278 25K mi GNX stock and it's scary under turbo boost !
For once I choose the newer car. The GNX is practically a classic anyways.
continues to be a fun series - well shot
I was going to go with the GNX until I saw that 427.
Buick GNX every day of the week
I really love both of these cars! Its freeking awsome to see both of them together!
I remember my first ride in a 1967 427 police interceptor.
I thought we were going into orbit.
Nothing beats those big block Chevy's.
The GNX would, but it's so quiet you'd never believe it.
Hard to pick! Both awesome cars!
My two favorite American cars of all time
As a kid in the mid 80’s we would watch street racing next to the former JFK stadium in Philadelphia late at night on Front Street. There were very very few cars or motorcycles that could beat a GN. Let alone a GN-X. Some cars were actually trailered there and were pure drag cars that still got beat by the Buick. Beast of a car. Love it.
It is my dream to one day own each version of the Regal from 1987. The standard, T-Type, Grand National, and the GNX. That was a special year for Buick. My other special vehicles are the GMC Syclone + Typhoon, and the Lil' Red Express. Magic in all of them.
I love the COPO Chevelle but the Grand National was the top of the Food chain in the 80's, and even to this day, there's only two types of Grand Nationals on the street. 14 second Grand Nationals and 10 second Grand Nationals.
So I had to vote the Grand National, even considering I get a hard on for Big Blocks
agreed, the GN was fucking awsome but the GNX is like yum....
I like big BLOCKS and I cannot lie... :)
no way i can choose between these two
very nice match up ! I love the x
Thats a tough one, I’d probably take the chevelle just for the big block sound. Gnx is one badass car though
Buick Grand National GNX hands down!
MAD DOG well said.
Why do dont they go to a track and 1/4 drag
Because the Buick would win. Can't have that.
Money. These cars cost a bunch of it.
7:29 that right there is a special moment between couple of guys and I remember sharing it with some buddies growing up 😁
2 of my favorite muscle cars!
I would like to see what the GNX would be capable of with To days variable valve timing and adjustable turbo vane technology and direct Injection, I would bet the little v6 would easily obliterate the Big Block Chevy! But I really do love the looks of both Cars!
Lawrence Eich You would have 700 horsepower. It has been done. Cost way too much to build.
I would have to go GNX.
The fact that it was produced during what was likely the poorest decade for US cars it has a classic look that is mean,like a true muscle car and while not having a V8 this was really an amazing engine,again, considering the power output of nearly all others at that time.
I like the Malibu power train but for a sleeper I prefer the looks of other classics. It almost too grocery getter for me.
One of the most enjoyable comparo's. Cheers
There is just something I love about the GNX, want one so badly!
GNX! All the way!
Hate to disagree with the majority here, but the Chevelle rules. To me, the heyday of American automobiles was 69 to 72. I had a 69 Chevelle Malibu with a 350. Possibly the best car I've ever owned. Mine was Red with Black Vinyl Top. A little darker red than the example presented. I would love to have that ride back.
I owned a 69 SS 396 Chevelle 4-speed. It was a 12 second car on street tires, yes it was modified but not all that much. Great car, fast, in a straight line and it passed everything but gas stations. On a good day it got 8 miles to the gallon. Also once a week you had to adjust the lifter is you wanted it to run a 100%. You could not drive it in the snow, nor did you want to drive it very far in the rain. Not a daily diver by any stretch. I had a 70 Impala for that. I did not own a GNX but a friend did and I loved driving it, good gas mileage for the time, drive it in any type of weather, never had to pull the valve covers. My SS was faster, his GNX was all stock. If you put those two cars side by side and I had to pick just one, it would be the GNX. Oh and my SS was triple black with Craiger SS 5-spoke. So both cars looked mean as hell!
Boxed in all 4 trailing arms, drove hot nails thru the rubber bushings, no polys back then, 13:1 compression, square port heads, mild port and polish, Hooker headers, Mallory Unilite Ignition, 780 Holley, Hurst shifter with metal bushings, big block truck clutch, aired up the front, aired down the back, unbolted the front sway bar at the track. Oh and a Sperco Water injection unit running a 50/50 mix of water and alcohol.
that Buick GNX takes my vote, from that 3.8l turbo whistle to the feeling it gives you, just amazing
I'm surprised they never mention a vehicle's value when discussing collectability. The COPO Chevelle 427 is worth 3 times what any GNX is worth.....
Nah, no it's not. GNX's for for 75k+ regularly. Copo Chevelles, I could see 125k. But never 3x as much.
Yenko Chevelles(which are COPO cars) regularly sell for $200K +, which is close to 3X what a pristine GNX will bring
ya got me. But a PRISTINE, sub 20k mile GNX, original everything, will go for nearly 100k. So 2x as much.
I call it a stalemate my friend :-)
Well thanks to you guys now I know all I need is about 100k-200k.. Donations accepted. lol
The gnx all the way. it has a more aggressive stance
My dad was a rural letter mail carrier and his routes covered many middle Ga. dirt roads. He'd gone through many vehicles and finally tried a new Buick, he never went to anything else after that. He was die hard Buick man.
I had a 1970 Maliu 350 with a factory 4 tranny, until I wrecked it -bald tires - and I still kick myself; I really loved that car.
I have to go with the '69 Malibu. I just love 'em and would truly love to get speeding tickets in another because it is so fun to punch it. I would guess - unless it was a young guy - that if you put that officer behind the wheel and let him drive it be himself he would come back and tell you, "Just be careful in that thing, it's too sweet to lose."
You guys should check out the Driftworks Ae86 that thing is a beast in my opinion. its a 1986 Toyota Corolla with a 454 crate engine. the thing is insane! its irreverent to this video but I've been obsessing over this car for about a year almost already and i just want to share it with everyone! The way this car is set up would be my ultimate dream car. or a 68/69 Dodge Charger r/t with either a 426 hemi or a 440 . then would be the Buick Regal GNX and last but not least either a modified hot rod of some sort such as the Dritworks Ae86 or a Trophy Truck. its all about the driving experience and thrill for me. Man the things people can do these days are awesome. Just saying...
GNX hands down.
I would pick the gnx. Tuff choice but i say the gnx takes it, better supporting mods for the Buick. Can make tons of power with justvan aftermarket turbo
and the aftermarket for a big block chevy is lacking? You're one funny guy.
they are both so rare you cant modify, drive hard or put many miles on either car...a huge thankyou to ken to allow these cars to be driven...despite growing up around muscle cars and developing a great passion for cars because of the late 60s early 70s cars, i really prefer newer cars for the way they drive and handle but id have to give it to the copo for its big block
Love the Chevy but Love the Buick, too. The Buick GNX is my dream car!
GNX this time love both though
I thought performance was measured at the track????? hmmmmmmmmmmm.
I think they look are more being more subjective.
Lip service is the only thing being measured here. lol
Choosing between these two great rare cars is very tough. I'd have them both. Back in '69 there were other cars that performed as well or better than the COPO Chevelle. However, the GNX was the hero of the 80s by being the fastest production car from America. Back in 1989, I easily tuned my '86 T-Type Regal to perform like the GNX. It did 160+ MPH, yet was comfortable to drive in traffic in New York City. Other Turbo Regal owners made their V6 motors do 10 seconds or better in the quarter mile.
2017.... I miss this !
2:47 "Chevy" asked McLaren to make it fast?? I think he meant "Buick"
Buick is own by GM and Chevy is gm biggest seller, so gm asked.
You mean gm
Classic G-Body Garage Buick asked to make it faster, was fast right from the factory...😎
Classic G-Body Garage dem morons
GNX had 300 horsepower.
I own a 69 COPO chevelle. ! Can’t beat old school muscle or torque. The GNX is a beast. But the COPO is the icon ! Hands down the winner !
I love BOTH cars, one of each please!
fuck that chevelle!!!! I've driven ss chevelles no copo but fast ones. However...I've driven a gnx as well for 3 weeks. I'm still in love with it like a childhood sweetheart that broke my 💔...the gnx out performs in every way. and is darth vader on wheels. badass still.
Why havent you done a dodge charger and challenger and avenger and a whole lot more cars new vs. old? how about nissan GT-R R34 vs R35. mustang super snake vs. Eleanor?
r34 is way to new + I assume they doesn't like japanese cars :/
probably can't get their hands on an r34 in america
***** That is the true case. It was never a USDM car. They'd have to go abroad.
William skagen Not true, Matt owns an Evo
1969 Skyline vs 2000 Skyline.
OMG, COPO Chevelle VS Buick GNX , they are both frig en awesome classic cars that I wish I could have either one. I don't even think I could cast a vote for the fact i love both of them, and for the fact they both gems of GM
they are both special cars but something about the raw eye burning exhaust with gas spilling out of the carburetor and the 4 speed, the chevelle has got to be a blast to drive.
+John Goulooze I agree. The '69 427 COPO Chevelle for me. No doubt about it. Great '60s styling and huge amounts of low-end torque which the Buick lacks. Now compared to a '70 Buick GSX 455 Stage 1 it would be tough to choose.
Normally I would have preferred the older vehicle, the Chevy, because I prefer pre-1980 vehicles. However, although the Chevy was going for the "stealth" factor I found it not to be stealthy enough with it's red paint and SS wheels. In this case, I will have to make an exception finding the 1980's Buick to be the superior vehicle to own.
Just remember that the engine in that buick is like a 2jz. A lot of potential.
In 1986 a friend of my bought a new GN, not a GNX, just the regular Grand National.. At the time I drove a 70' cuda' with a stock 383 4-bbl automatic with a 4.10 rear-end. We raced several times, From a dead-stop I'd get out about a car length ahead till around 28-mph, then I'd hear the GN behind me start breaking traction. He would still be in 1st spinning the wheels as he came around me, then he would hit 2nd and fishtail a bit, by 70mph he was 3-car length ahead. He really liked the GN so the next year he bought another one. So I raced his 1987 GN several times as well. But this time I could hold my lead till 70-mph before the 87'GN would slowly creep by. We were puzzled at the big difference in performance between the 86' and 87' GN. So he checked the boost output of both cars that were still absolutely bone stock. Found out the 86'GN was doing 18psi of boost while the 87 was getting only 12. In 1990 I bought a new mustang lx 5.0 5-speed. I could beat his 87'GN but the 86' would beat me to 60 by a car length and a half and he'd continue to pull away.
Ah, the GNX...When I was growing up, a man in my neighborhood had one. He only took it out on nice days, and DAMN I wanted that car. I still love them to this day. That being said, there is something undeniably spectacular about having a perfect sleeper. "Just a Chevelle," he says, and it certainly looks that way. But when pressure is applied to the "go" pedal, it sings a different tune. How do choose? A childhood hero, or an incognito rocket ship that makes one of the best noises I've heard on a Generation Gap video. In the end, its the hero that wins the day. The GNX is just something I've always wanted. and even though the Chevy is rare, you can't tell just by looking at it as it goes rumbling by. A GNX's presence lets you know right away its something special, and for that reason I picked it over the Chevelle.
I'm young enough but still old enough (40), to consider both of these cars a classic.
The COPO is badass and I'd love to have one, but I'd rather have the GNX. It just needs twin turbo, being a V-6, one per side and to add another 20-30hp.
I really would like a Yenko Stinger Corvair or Stinger Vega.
i agree. Given the choice between the 2 cars, id have the gnx.
All you need is a methanol kit and that Buick will run in the 11's...
I'd you add a second turbo it will actually make less power. But at the same time creating less heat. You must also remember in those Times o2 sensors and knock sensors were futuristic fantasies
B00steDevil yea I have owned many turbo cars and own a grand national at the moment. I would always choose single turbo over twin. Twin sounds cool and all but when something goes wrong and it will. There harder to work on by a long shot.
trab8989 and it will lol
True lil meth and she screams like no tomorrow.
hmm hard choice this time, but gotta go with the gnx
Grew up in a GM town that made all of these.
'69 for sure.
Many years ago I drove in a national non gnx that was slightly modified and I will never be the same the sound of the turbo and the size of the car and the pull on that car I have never felt and I have been and built many big blocks Buick is badass when it comes to size and torque from all their engines.
Here in Queens, NY ...GNX GNX GNX GNX GNX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Davin, I think you are confusing the thrust of torque with actual performance. Don't get me wrong I think the Chevelle is a beautiful and fast car, however, I think you would be singing a different tune if the GNX were stick shift and not an automatic. There is something undeniably sweet about rowing thru the gears in a fast car. Add to that, the fact that your own performance stats show the Buick to be the better performer, seals the deal. Having said that, I would love to own either of these cars.
The 1/4 mile is the true test of a muscle car and in that the COPO won... Against a car with close to 20 years more technology. I would say that is pretty impressive for a car made of steel and cast iron.
Glynn Dudley After reading your post, I had to watch the video again. The stats are as follows:
Chevelle (@ 2:14)
0-60......5.1 sec.
1/4 M...13.3 sec. @ 108MPH
GNX (@ 2:40)
0-60......4.7 sec.
1/4 M..13.26 sec. (MPH Not Listed)
How do you figure the Chevelle was faster?
The GNX fast first through the trap, which determines the winner. Even if the Chevelle would have had a higher trap speed, the first one across the finish line wins. However, that point is moot as they never listed the trap speed for the GNX, so we will never know.
The GNX wasent available with a stick shift.
Aaron Rainey You are right, it wasn't, but I was referring to the thrust of a manual as in the Chevelle.
I once had a GN, syAAclone, and the 89 pace car TA!!! All three of those cars are very quick, but very tempermental!!! Ordering parts was also a pain in the ass!!! I prefer big blocks
If only GM had installed a manual in the Grand National, it would have used those 276 ponies even better. That COPO Chevelle Malibu is an absolute sleeper, with no badges nothing what lurks underneath. Love both of em.
What a suprise! the old one won -.-
I love the look of that Buick but the stated power figures are a bit underwhelming. I'd expect a lot more power from a 3.8 litre v6, especially with a turbo.
You have to keep in mind that this was in the 80s when Corvettes had 240hp. Plus journalists found that the GNX was actually making 300hp and 400lb/ft. Typical GM underrated the power of the car so it wouldn't step on the toes of the Corvette.
VolkswagenGamer
Why would they do that? Both Buick and Corvettes are under GM ownership no?
400 hp back then was a very serious number, I don't even think the Ferrari 288 GTO made that much. The torque figure is what impresses me with the Buick, 360 lbs of it. All translating to a healthy 0-60 in 4.7, that was supercar fast, and it's still bloody good today.
Javad Sharifzadeh Yes, but Chevy and Buick are different. If it wasn't for Chevy whining about their precious Corvette getting spanked by a V6, we'd still have the GN, or at least a GOOD turbo Buick with two doors.
Javad Sharifzadeh
Back then and even still today there is this performance tug-of-war that GM has for all of its brands. The Corvette is basically the pinnacle of performance so having some Buick outshining Chevrolet's halo car wasn't something they wanted to happen hence the GNX's underrated power figures.
Buick GNX.. the only 80's square styled car I dont hate, but actually always wanted, It just looked amazing in black
I love Buicks and especially anything with the bullet proof 3.8 motor. When I look for a used car I always buy Buicks with a 3.8 motor. But a copo with a big block 427 is a beast and worth more money in my opinion. I choose the Copo.
Not sure if performance should of went to copo. It's a straight line car. Gnx is all around better
Chevelle all the way, all day long.
I own two Buick Grand Nationals so I'll have to go with the GNX. With the automatic transmission it hammers to over 100 mph so smoothly and hard. I worked at a Buick dealership in 1987 and I sat in a GNX in 1987 but no one could drive it. I have never driven a COPO Chevelle. I imagine it would be crazy fast and an awesome rush.
I'm surprised they didn't do more of these. They are fun.
like
anything copo is coolo
Coolo or Culo?
Julian Alvelo
cool-oh not the other word, that might mean the opposite!!
Fastest production vehicle in the world in 1987 was the GMC cyclone iirc
GMC Syclone didn't come out until the early 90s.
CamaroAmx look it up bro. get on my level
Tony Chris
Syclone came out early 90's my friend
It did come out in the late 80's, but it wasn't the fastest until the 90's. The GNX beat it.
I believe I am right here. Irregardless what is the deal with the guys on this program it always looks like they are fixing to stick a finger in one anothers asses
I'm down the middle on this too. I own a Chevelle and I love Chevelles but damn it that Buick is a sexy machine. And as far as the 80s go that Buick is one of the 2 cars I'd like to own.
GNX is pure 80's. Timeless and beautiful.