Peak GM Full-Size Comparison: 1970 Chevrolet Caprice 454 vs. 1970 Buick Electra Limited 455

[@stevecook1675]

My uncle was a general manager of a buick\Chevrolet dealership in northern California from the late 1940s to the late 1980s. I remember these cars very well. My father was a Chrysler man at the time of these cars and the long discussions. We had a 66 new Yorker and my uncle was trying to talk my dad into a 69 caprice. They waited 1072 and bought a another new Yorker. I loved all these cars, there what I learned to drive in.

[@OnkelPHMagee]

The 1970 Electra is my all-time favorite GM product. Seriously. Thanks for including this one again.

[@philip4193]

That Caprice is one big, sexy, sinister-looking automobile; absolutely love that sleek rear-end treatment. Designed back in the days when cars were viewed as sculptured works of art with soul, and not the generic, disposable appliances that modern cars have now become. A time in history that unfortunately will never be repeated, which is why collectors like Adam are so important as they preserve these time capsules so that modern generations can witness what once was...

[@rickmontgomery3037]

Exactly and well said!

[@dustincarpenter1707]

I'm a Buick guy but the 1969-70 Fleetwood Cadillac Sixty Special is highly desired as well.

[@2001rams]

I started high school in 1970 so was not attracted to big Buicks at the time (or even knew someone who had a high end car like that). However, looking at the Electra today it is impossible to find fault with anything on this car. Now that I am 67 I would really appreciate that car with that luxury and ride (and looks). I thought the 69 and 70 LeSabre/Electra had one of the best Buick front ends for Buick of the 1960s era. I always liked the 69 and 70 full size Chevys. That Caprice really has a nice interior. I as a kid I focused on 2 door hardtops back then I did not spend too much time looking at 4 doors. However 4 door hardtops even then were a "great upgrade" over a 4 door sedan. This 70 Caprice 4 door hardtop is really a very nice looking and well proportioned and stylish car. Being a GM guy I really enjoyed this video. Being a real Pontiac guy I would also say that the 70 Bonneville with that same roofline is also a really great looking car and I would not overlook a nice 70 Bonneville 4 door hardtop if the right car came along now.

[@ethancropp600]

The 68 2 door bomneville is most beautiful of the Bonnevilles

[@Sedan57Chevy]

Spring is so lovely, especially when it means we get to see more of your collection! It's a real treat to see the electra again. If ever a car looked right in shades of brown without being a reminder of 70s malaise, it's the Electra. I think the more formal roofline is killer and just highlights the rest of this well styled vehicle. it's overall squared off formal looks is nicely contrasted with the big Buick sweep spear on the sides. Love the full width lamps, although I do have to note that the caprice's bumper mounted taillights are pretty cool too! When they ask "wouldn't you rather have a Buick", my answer is typically yes! I love the 65-70 Electra and wildcats. Of course, it always helps when a car has my beloved brocade cloth seats. Your uncle has a great car. Quiet, refined V8 exhaust notes is absolutely the best sound in the automotive space. It's fun to have a loud exhaust sometimes, but these more muffled engines without big cams are just a great intersection of fun rumble when at idle and some exciting grunt when you punch it, without ever compromising the luxurious comfortable experience when you just want to cruise

[@DanEBoyd]

And the Caprice used the special ornamentally detailed lenses you see here, while the Impala, Bel Air, and Biscayne, made due with plain red lenses.

[@rogersmith7396]

Grandpa car.

[@josephquillian2866]

I love ‘em both! And, oh, the gurgle coming from both exhausts … ain’t nothing like it! I taught my husband Jorge how to drive on a ‘69 Chevy Caprice two-door hardtop … and a couple of days later how to drive a standard shift on my ‘51 Chevy Business Coupé … back in 1992. We will celebrate our 32nd anniversary in November of this year. Greetings from a Dallas, Texan native now living in Querétaro, México, with our happy Golden Retriever Buddy. :-) ❤️

[@JohnnyAloha69]

Both beauties and the sunset year of the GM zenith. Actually they were considered two different platforms; the big chevies, Pontiacs and the lower level Buick and Olds (Lesabre and 88) were B bodies while the Electra, 98 and caddies were C bodies. The main difference was rear seat leg room. Great cars!

[@gregt8638]

Who needs cable TV when we have Adam and all his cars on KZbin? I thoroughly enjoy every video, and dispite knowing most all from the era, I always seem to learn something new! Thank you.

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Bill's channel Curious Cars is also informative, as it is entertaining. You might say he's a grouch that loves cars and his audience. My Car Story with Lou Costabile is also good. All Cars With Jon is another good channel.

[@MrPoppyDuck]

Dad had a 76 hardtop 225. It was like driving a living room sofa. When it was idling it was so quiet and smooth I could not know the engine was running unless I went to put it into gear. I bet that 70 was a tire burner with the high compression big block! Thanks for a great video!

[@Yankeededandy62]

To a point. The 70 has more power but due to the very tall 2.56 rear end, it’s almost impossible to do a burn out, unless you have 10 year old tires

[@fredanddebramacdonald2445]

@@Yankeededandy62 The hot rodders would put a little drain oil under the rear tires, and that would result in a fantastic burnout! Not recommended as it is very hard on the drive train when traction is gained and that big 455 hooks up.

[@dominickserignese8837]

I can't believe how beautiful that Buick is. Brown look so good on that car! The Caprice is also very sharp looking, too bad it doesn't have air.

[@timferguson1593]

My cousin and I got our drivers licenses in 1975. I had been mowing yards since I was 12 and I saved half of what I made. At 15 i went to work at the chain of grocery stores. I saved that as well. I also worked for my dad and uncle in their construction business. He kept half my paycheck in my savings account. Anyway, I bought a 1974 Chevy Monte Carlo Landau. Silver metallic with burgundy Landau rood, T-tops, swivel bucket seats, console I took the stock shifter knob off and replace it with a 'T' shifter. 400 4 bbl, power everything. I put Goodyear Eagle 60s all around sitting on Cragar 5 spoke classics(kept the rally rims it came with. My cousin found a 1970 Caprice Classic, 2 door. 400 4 bbl. It was Navy blue metallic. They both would run like a scalded dog.

[@troynov1965]

My dad owned a Olds 98 ( 70 ) we went on many long road trips in it. It had a fantastic ride and really comfortable, It was fully loaded as well ( cruise, ac, 8 track top of line interior , power everything, 455 engine). Really well built car , was my dad most favorite car he ever owned.

[@bobcoats2708]

Very nice examples of early 70s GM. Thank you Adam

[@peterwatson7982]

Had a 70 caprice with a 350 in the early 80s. Best car I have ever owned. Super dependable and surprisingly great in the snow. Transmission finally died with 150 thousand miles. Really miss that car.

[@glennso47]

I had a brand new 1970 BelAir 350 . Bought it with my savings from the navy when I got out. The car lasted until it got about 99,000 miles before it died.

[@kingxcamm]

It’s crazy how cars didn’t last that long back then. I would have thought these things were solid and reliable

[@peterwinstonaldredge6927]

I would have to choose BOTH! Those are beautiful cars. Thanks for sharing and comparing!

[@edwardllorens]

I’m definitely a Caprice guy but to be honest, I love them both. Each one represents itself boldly in it’s own way. That Buick is a stellar time capsule.

[@graciemaemarie11jones16]

buick> chevy

[@johnh2514]

Beautiful cars Adam. I love the hardtop sedans of this era. When I was very young we had a neighbor with a very similar ‘70 Caprice and a ‘72 Kingswood wagon. So rarely have I seen power windows in the Chevrolets of this vintage…it’s funny that it’s the same switchgear GM used right until the early 90s.

[@califdad4]

I'd want the Buick Electra limited, never liked the taillights on the 70 Impala/Caprice

[@terry3193]

Both cars are prestine…the Caprice is so rare. In my opinion, the Buick styling does emphasize the “formal” and “large” look where the Caprice style is a little more streamlined and sporty. I think when a model emphasizes both a vertical and horizontal theme in the rear, it’s focus is to emphasize “large”, period. I like the front end of the ‘70 Buick much better than the ‘69 and ‘71-73. Out of all of your cars, that we’ve seen so far, this Buick Limited is one of my top favorites even though I do love the Caprice. I just love the interior of the Limited. So luxurious, tasteful and of quality. I agree with you that it is “nicer” than some of the Cadillacs. It also has such a large and luxury/formal presence which I really love. Both are beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

[@RaymondHaley-bi8lx]

The deuce in a quarter, no doubt about it, had a white and red convertible, when I was 16 smooth and powerful.

[@tntanto]

In my school years, I had a friend who called these large cars Triple B’s: Big Bombs are Better. My first car was a Chevy Triple B. That’s a beautiful blue interior on the Caprice. Thanks for the video.

[@PorscheRacer14]

That is one beautiful and rare Caprice. Love that blue interior with black exterior; killer combo!

[@tomsneary5091]

I learned to drive & took my test in a 1970 Impala with a 350. Loved that car.

[@ivantuma7969]

Now that I'm older - I really miss these. It was like gliding over glass, sitting on a pillow.

[@dosgos]

That Caprice has a beautiful interior, which seems very luxurious to me. Looks great outside too.

[@bushmanPMRR]

As an Englishman, despite my love of many of the old English cars, I will NEVER tire of admiring the amazing four door pillarless cars from America! My ultimate dream would be a 1959 Cadillac sedan but living in deepest rural Ireland now it would be a bit of a struggle with these land barges on some of our narrow lanes around here! But as the tagline from the old Jaguar advert used to say "What are dreams for, if not to come true?" Thanks for yet another fantastic video.

[@adampagano5361]

The 'Fasten Seat Belts' reminder in script above the steering column really does it for me

[@HAL-dm1eh]

Love that you showed a small appearance of the 68 LeSabre (9:32) I drove to high school in the late 80s. Mine was red, NAPA Red Enamel to be exact. Though the rest of it was in excellent shape including the black vinyl top, the lacquer paint was faded and cracking and a horrible green color. My dad was a pro painter and took me down to the local NAPA and let me pick out the color I wanted, and the most red I could find was that. We prepped it within one day and he shot it on there in the next. Being a 4 door hardtop with all the trim and original hubcaps, it was a stunning car when we were finished!

[@turnertruckandtractor]

GM was on fire at that time. How exciting it must have been. First car I can remember my parents having is a 65 and 69 Oldsmobile 88.

[@tcwascawy1]

You know your stuff. The 1950's and especially the 1960's were amazing car years and I really enjoy your walkararounds and drives. These monsters were ubiquitous when I was a teenager and I've been a car fancier since I can first remember. Thanks and keep on keeping on.

[@donk499]

Yep, no split bench seats in the chevys back then. I remember this only because my parents had a vacation home in Vermont, and they used to drive back and forth from Ct every weekend in the spring and summer. They would split the driving chores. Bill always complained about having his legs jammed into the dash when Mom drove. The bench seat with the two bucket seat backs/arm rest sure looked nice though. The split bench seat was the first of just a few options they ordered on the 73 Caprice that replaced the 69 coupe they had first. That car was a big deal to our family, it was the first "nice car" we ever had. A far cry from the 55 wagon, used 60 Rambler, and the stripped 64 malibu wagon for sure. So, I would have to say that your Caprice would be my choice as well, but mostly for nostalgic reasons, but I would have preferred a black or tan interior though. That Buick is beautiful, and I have always loved Buick V8s. Has that headliner been replaced?? The material looks like something out of GM cars from the late 70-80s, not something that was used in 1970.

[@fleetwin1]

The 4dr Caprice has great lines for sure, the 2dr is an "aquired taste". I remember our neighbor had a nice 1970 Impala 4dr, it was a beautiful car as well.

[@RareClassicCars]

Nope. Original.

[@toddbonin6926]

My brother-in-law’s mom had a blue/blue 1963 Dodge 440 station wagon that she loved. They were a camping family, and what stands out most in my memory was that the wagon always needed a good washing. In 1970, my brother-in-law’s dad’s business was doing really well and he surprised his wife with a Buick Electra Limited IDENTICAL to the one you have in this video. (Talk about time travel!) Well, instead of being met with screams of joy and hugs and kisses, he was met with protestations that she didn’t want this beautiful luxury liner … that she loved her 7-year-old midline trim Dodge station wagon (that I distinctly remember always being dirty). Her exact words were, “But my Dodge drives itself.” I remember this because my sister mocked her for the next three years as the Buick sat in the garage and she continued to drive the Dodge. Finally in 1973, when one of the younger boys got his license, she let him take over the Dodge and she finally started driving the Buick. The Dodge remained a daily driver and camping wagon (nicknamed the Wompin’ Wagon) at least until 1978/79. After that, I don’t remember it. But it lasted at least 15 years in the same family. As for the Buick, my BIL’s mom quickly adapted to driving land yachts and, in 1976, traded the Buick for a silver Lincoln that was even more luxurious. I think the 1970 full-sized Chevrolet’s were the best designs the marque ever produced, and I would choose the Caprice over the Electra any day. It’s simply beautiful.

[@DSP1968]

A great comparison of two GM top of the line cars. I especially like the Buick, which appears to be loaded to within an inch of its life.

[@DanEBoyd]

Sorry, but I'd rather have the Buick - and I love that Caprice. The Buick just looks more long and low, and majestic and elegant, as it glides down the boulevard. I've had an eye for those since they were near new.

[@markg7030]

The Buick is a great car and I would also pick the Caprice as you did. BTW both cars look great as 4 door Hard tops. Back then you never saw many 454 full sized Chevrolets especially with dual exhaust and rally wheels.

[@rogersmith7396]

Impalas were for the budget crowd. Pontiacs, Olds, Buick, Cad for the monied set. I think the Caprice interior is probably better than the LTD. LTDs were fleet cars. See "Magnum Force".

[@dave1956]

The electric rear window defroster was offered on the 1970 full sized Buicks. I worked at a Buick/Oldsmobile dealer in Wisconsin back in the ‘70’s. I remember two customers who had 1970 full sized Buicks so equipped. My all time favorite full sized GM vehicles were the 1969’s, but the 1970’s were a close second. I remember what fabulous runners the 1970 Buicks were. Much better than the 1971’s that typically required a valve job around 50,000 miles. My parents had a 1971 Electra and they had 2 valve jobs in the time that they owned it.

[@charleswhaley9443]

That Buick was purchased in La Crosse, WI as evidenced by the dealer tag on the rear deck which simply says “KENNARD” which was the name of the only Buick dealership in La Crosse. It later became Walt Hammond Buick before going out of business/being purchased.

[@seankirby1327]

I have a 67 Oldsmobile 98....126 in and was the largest (by interior volume) of the C bodies, 425 cid 270bph. I love it 0-60 7.5 sec ....high compression 10.5:1.....very conservative styling. Interior is vinyl and cloth...very nice, It is very similar to the Buick. It is so much fun !

[@spc_inv]

Your car collection is amazing! Unique unlike most others

[@jw77019]

I always wanted a 1970 Wildcat. I saw a one owner for sale in the mid 1990’s for $650 in Cypress, TX. As a southerner, the newest full size car I ever saw without factory air was a 1966 Bel Air. It didn’t have preselector buttons on the radio or a clock either. And it was a 6 cyl. Column shift which was actually weirdly frugal I thought.

[@matrox]

2:30 That diving line goes back to the 51' Buick and has been their in some form almost every year since back then.

[@jimtwisted1984]

I had two great uncles one with a 69 caprice and the other with a 70 electra. They used to race in Nevada in the early 70s with these cars. Both those guys would be their late 60s by then and were out racing like a couple of kids.I still miss those guys .Rest in peace George and Harry.

[@freddyhollingsworth5945]

11:40 we need a night time video of all the lights on this beautiful big Buick!!!! Amazing car!!! I wonder if the red circular light in front of the rear bumper lights up? Great video!!!

[@jefweb5043]

Had it been the Oldsmobile Delta 88 or 98 Regency compared to the Caprice, I would lean towards the Olds. On paper, the 225 wins. But with the Rally wheels, the LS5 and a Turbo 400, I think the Caprice takes it hands down.

[@Bossrich6287]

Those olds 88 with the big 465 were fast

[@LlyleHunter]

455

[@bigc8300]

19ft of buicks finest. I love both of the cars.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Another awesome video! Although I was way too young to drive a car, I was born in 1973, I remember cars like these. I had a friend whose parents drove a 1970 Buick LeSabre, hardly an Electra 225, but still a nice car. Looking at the cars from the front, I personally find the 1970 Electra more attractive than the 1970 Caprice. The rear end, I'd go for the Caprice. I find the Caprice rear end way better looking than the Electra 225.

[@johnshields6852]

I'm 1976 I was 16 and my parents bought a 1973 Buick Park Ave, that car was the best riding car I've ever been in, pillowed valour dark blue int, light blue ext, huge comfortable car, the back seat was amazing😉

[@lonwaslien104]

I had a ‘66 Caprice coupe. Interior was beautiful. The only option on it was power steering. Beautiful dark blue and no vinyl roof. $3400 on the window sticker. Mom wanted Dodge Monaco instead 😊

[@2001rams]

The 66 Caprice had one of nicest looking interiors that Chevy ever offered. The roofline on that hardtop and the interior that car had still makes me want to own one today.

[@lonwaslien104]

@@2001rams indeed…I miss it to this day

[@joeseeking3572]

I'd vote for Mom :)

[@markbehr88]

Both nice. I would take the Electra.

[@johnshollenberger2337]

When I look at these 2 cars...the Buick body style looks like.the Cadillac family of that time and the Caprice looks similar to the Pontiac Bonneville sedan with the skirts on it. Love em both. Cars were Cars back then.

[@welleffitthen]

Both of these cars in this excellent video I'm sure anyone then or now would have no regrets driving/owning. The Caprice more sleeper hot rod and the Buick stated great luxury. I was 6 when my aunt and uncle traded a 1967 Corvette, red and black, for a 1969 Electra 225, green with a black vinyl top. Amazed as a 6 year old with the power windows and had no idea what a FM radio was, but that car had about everything equipped on it as possible. Smooth ride as i remember as well.

[@joehovanec1985]

Us that lived through this era, didn't realize how good the cars were in the sixties and early seventies at the time. Only years latter would we look back at these vehicles and remember how we missed appreciating them at the time. New cars are better in some ways but lack the style and appeal of some of the older ones.

[@jamesoshaughnessy4001]

My second car was a 1970 Impala convertible, 454, same black outside, red interior, with black top and fender skirts. Loved that styling.

[@psymi-hk1fp]

They're both outstanding. I've always been a Buick man, but love all GM. Here I prefer the Caprice for the sleek and youthful styling with a very luxurious interior. That wood grain looks almost real all these decades later. The grill looks like a Cadillac.

[@robertcass7723]

I am not a Buick guy but that Electra is gorgeous.

[@frankbrowning328]

Always really liked the old Electras as they were in many ways Cadillac cousins. Had some relatives and friends that had the late 60s through very early 70s when I was a kid.

[@hiitsstillme]

That Buick is over the top, for sure... but we'd have to concur on the Caprice as the first choice. It is particularly fetching, and rare. 👍

[@christopherkraft1327]

Hey Adam, Happy Memorial Day to you & your family!!! Both of these GM top of the line cars are gorgeous!!! They are so roomy & comfortable. I have to say that I prefer the Electra Limited a little more than the Caprice, it's a little more luxurious plus the brown finish with the vinyl top & tan interior on the Buick was so beautiful & popular in the early seventies!!! Thanks for sharing this exciting video!!! 👍👍🙂🇺🇲

[@parkependleton6453]

Chevrolet created their three taillight motif in 1958 when they introduced the new Impala model. Since then I think that the three most classic interpretations of the motif were 1961, 1965, and 1970 model year Chevrolets.

[@richardgrassia5225]

I would add the 68 model!

[@phitchr]

Adam, I would agree the Chevrolet does it for me. I think the early 70's from GM were beautiful. My first car was a 1970 Grand Prix and if I had sense, I would have it today. Lack of fore sight.

[@SeaTravelr123]

How did I miss THIS one ? Working in my cars, listening to RCC as my inspiration

[@jwelchon2416]

I'm biased. I had a 70 Buick Electra 225 convertible. One of the best cars I have owned.

[@tonyflorio3269]

I really like your Caprice. These were more like "intermediate plus"; the four door Chevelle only gave up 3" in wheelbase. Great looking, right sized and one of the best big GM V8s.

[@trudygreer2491]

The Chevelle is also more than 4 inches narrower than the Caprice, with shorter back doors.. the dimensions may seem similar on paper, but when you're seated in the back of a Caprice versus a Chevelle... my friend, there is no comparison..

[@garysarnowski3113]

The 1970 Caprice was a beautiful, attainable car for the working man. Not many came with the 454 though. Most were 350 2bbl engines equipped.

[@mikek5633]

I would pick the one with the most options. I like my luxo-cruisers with all the toys. Beautiful ol' girls Adam...

[@dmandman9]

Great job as usual Adam. I’m always smarter when I watch your videos. These old cars remind me of when different divisions of the same manufacturer produced cars that revealed a corporate heritage. But they were significantly different from each other. Sometime in the late 1970’s the various cars became virtually the same across the divisions.

[@rogersmith7396]

1973 was the death year for GM.

[@robertray6021]

​@@rogersmith7396 Hmmm ... But I still love my 73--77 Monte Carlo's and Gran Prix and Cutlass models. And the 76 Caprice was a beautiful car too.

[@Steven-p4j]

And virtually identical across all brands>

[@rogersmith7396]

@@robertray6021 73 was when they went to nameplate engineering and the divisions basically died. I would take first generation of the models you describe any day.

[@bradwallace6751]

Thanks Adam once again 👍 These are cars I love to see 👍Met i guy today with 69 Biscayne 2 door post car all original 427-4 with a 4 speed trany omg what nice car he has own it since new ! With a posi rear end all factory Loved it 👍BVW Brantford Ontario Canada Thanks again Adam keep the beautiful old cars coming 👍👍👍👍👍

[@rogerhinman5427]

I owned a 1965 Electra 225. What a beast. But a nice to drive beast. And I still like the looks of it.

[@garyrains5996]

More, more, more! I want the Electra!

[@markstyles2652]

1967 Buick Electra Convertible 430 cu Motor for Sale in Chilliwack, BC Canada. 91 000 miles, saw it at Mission Speedway, Mission BC. White with dark blue leather interior, all in beautiful condition. Can put you in touch with owner, wanting to sell for $30 000 Canadian. Keep this beautiful content material coming Adam. Thank you!

[@paulasturi4199]

I love the fact that these cars were so ginormous. Plenty of room for six adults plus a couple of kids, and trucks the size of a studio apartment.

[@jimjackson4256]

I had a couple of great uncles one of whom had a 69 caprice and the other. an 70 electra 225.I remember them racing in nevada in about 1970 and those those two characters were in their late 60s then.That caprice would spit out little chunks of ice from the air conditioner vents.The rear window sort of bent inwards on the caprice.Oh man those were the days.😊

[@tomm1109]

I find it hard to see how they sold anything other than Chevys. The chevys were so good and such a value. Im saying this as a Buick man. I guess the price difference was close enough that people could spend the extra for a badge. Even in modern history its funny, I think of the Chevy Traverse. In 2008-10 they had a version for Chevy, GMC, Saturn, and Buick. The sales didn't justify it, but in the 60s and 70s I guess it made sense. Then the 80s happened and everything was virtually exactly the same.

[@roberttalerico7328]

My grandfather had a1969 LeSabre, and the rear fender scripts read "LeSabre, by Buick"

[@OldDood]

I would choose the Buick Electra 225 Limited. I have ridden in both. My Father had a 1970 Caprice and it was a nice car. I drove that Caprice all over the place and my Dad had an account down at the filling station so I never paid for gas. HOWEVER, nothing rode like the Big Buick. Those seats were Heaven.

[@tim_g3478]

That 454 Caprice without A/C would be a mover! In the mid-70’s I bought a 2-dr Buick LeSabre in that same color brown. It had a 350 and a Rochester 4-bbl carb. The dash is almost identical to the Electra. Loved that car. It rode and drove great!

[@brianhdueck3372]

I remember these cars well back in the day. The Buicks were very distinctive but you can’t be disappointed in either of these cars. The floaty ride of the Buick wins me over.

[@coreyjones1518]

I had a 69 Impala 4 door hardtop that my parents gave me when I got my driver's license. It was a lot like your Caprice except it was silver with black interior and had the 427. It was a great car!

[@cellpat2686]

Remarkable how 1 company could build 5 different models with basic similarities, yet each had its own distinct flavour. That's early GM for you. The caprice looks taxi like while the 225 is one step short of being a Cadillac.

[@joegy9944]

Two beauties! I'll take the Buick. My daddy brought a 65 Electra convertible home for my mother. Red with white interior and top. Just gorgeous, she said she didn't want it because it would leak soon. It was such a disappointment to me a little kid!

[@FrankF-vp4pt]

beautiful cars! I've always been partial to the 70 Buick.

[@radioguy1620]

Adam , as we all remember and you know tightening the belts on these motors in this era is a bit tough. out of necessity I figured out a way to make it much easier in many cases, simply put a nut and bolt in the slot near the component you are adjusting and it gives you a levering point to insert a flat bladed screwdriver to move the component over. works in many cases and can prevent both case damage and over tightening. might want to do a vid on it. thanks and hope it works for your fans also. Captain Tom

[@OLDS98]

Thank you Adam. It is interesting the things they did to make the distinct and unique to each GM brand. You can clearly see those things. There are things on the Buick the Park Avenue/Electra had to the end. There are features I was not aware they had back then either. The Buick was clearly luxury. The Chevrolet Caprice was not bad at all. That one changed with time and got more luxurious as well.

[@robertray6021]

Those swells on the Caprice WERE executed perfectly! In My opinion. ☀️. They just don't show up very well in the video. Love those old cars!

[@whammond511]

I’ve owned both the Caprice and the Electra Limited. ‘73 for the Caprice & ‘76 for the Electra. My Caprice was much more optioned out than your example so perhaps is more comparable. Since both of my 454/455s were toned down w/emissions control equipment it is still pretty fair to compare them. The Caprice was a decent and reliable car but that slush bucket transmission left a lot to be desired. The Buick had the Corporate 400 TurboHydraMatic 3 speed and was much better in performance than the Caprice. I would choose the Buick virtually every time over the Caprice - with the exception of the Coupe. That dished in Rear Window on the Caprice Classic Coupe was a real head turner. I had a ‘73 example. In closing; I also had a ‘73 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham - 60 Special in old time Caddy lingo - with the 472 @ 8/1 Compression. It would beat either the Caprice or the Buick Electra hands down, in my opinion.

[@Yankeededandy62]

One of my favorite comparisons you did, Adam. I just bought a 70 Electra 225 Custom convertible. I'm really jealous of the condition of the instrument panel in your Buick. It looks brand new. Mine shows some signs of wear and I'm wracking my brain how to fix that. The faux wood paneling is near impossible to replace. I really have to find someone who owns a 4 door Electra to compare it with my convertible. The convertible is surprisingly quiet but the sedan must be in another league. Thanks for another great episode.

[@oldmansilas559]

Kudos to the owners, that kept these cars, in mint condition. 👍🏾

[@rightlanehog3151]

👏👏👏👏

[@rightlanehog3151]

Adam, The 1970 Buick Color and Trim book 18:10 is worthy of a video of its own.

[@rollingtones1]

2:03 I remember reading about the new side body bulges around the wheel openings in a late 1969 issue of Popular Science magazine. It was (and remains) a unique styling treatment, and has never been exactly duplicated.

[@dapsapsrp]

Both cars are extremely nice classics but the Caprice is so beautifully smooth and takes the styling prize in this case.

[@komradkolonel]

My grandfather owned a 1970 Caprice and it was the last car he ever owned. He loved it and refused to get rid of it. The only bad thing was it had the base 350 with the 2 barrel. It was a little underpowered but it had ice cold air conditioning. It could be 95 outside and that A/C could get it cold enough inside to see your breath.

[@roadcalm3303]

The first car I ever drove was my Fathers 70 Electra 225. Great car and great memories.

[@timbullough3513]

Buick reminds me of a high school friends father who owned nothing but Buick from early 70s through his passing a few years ago ... with the final sled being the Lucerne.

[@dmandman9]

I’m amazed at how many full sized cars you show that did not have AC at that time. In Florida by the late 1960’s most full sized cars and even mid sized cars were equipped with AC, especially as the vent windows disappeared. The heat became unbearable without the ability to point the vent windows directly to our face. 🥵

[@RareClassicCars]

It didn’t get hot often in the north. Most homes didn’t have AC up here until the late 70s.

[@dmandman9]

@@RareClassicCars Yes, I noticed that most of the non luxury cars of my northern relatives were not A/C equipped until at least the mid-late 1970’s. I remember thinking just how easy they were to work on, especially the right side valve cover and the rear spark plugs.

[@rogersmith7396]

Florida was unliveable before AC. Just cheap swampland.

[@michaelcoonce6694]

I Really like the black caprice but In Texas and no AC it would never happen

[@dmandman9]

@@michaelcoonce6694 Same here. That huge car with no AC and no vent windows are no match for 90+ degrees, Florida humidity, and stop and go traffic.

[@donaldperrotta8514]

I’ll take the Buick definitely ! My aunt and uncle bought new Buicks exclusively every 2 years for probably 30 years straight ! I remember when they bought a new 1964 Wildcat that I fell in love with !! .. and was heartbroken when they traded up to a 1966 Electra !!!

[@stevesmith6236]

I've owned eight Buicks since my first car in highschool, way back in 1973, which was a 1967 Riviera. I currently own a 1994 Regal sedan and a 2005 LeSabre. But I have to say, out of these two big beauties, I'd rather have the Caprice.

[@DanEBoyd]

My favorites are the '68 and '69 Skylarks, the '69 and '70 Electras, and the '66 and '67 Skylarks. Love the fender skirts on them too!

[@misterhipster9509]

Bought a 70 454 Bel Aire off a cheap used lot, engine ran poorly, checked under the hood before salesman showed up, plug wires on 5 and 7 cylinders were swapped. Made a deal on the car, drove it a block away, changed the wires, ran perfect, pulled the big block out and replaced with a 350 4bbl engine. Surprisingly the small block felt damn near a strong as the rat motor, sold it that weekend for twice what I paid. 454 went into some hot rod I can't recall. Great days we'll never see again.

[@arevee9429]

Gramps would have gotten very excited about that Buick. He always drove them and dreamed of Mercedes. The Buick is nice, but I prefer the sportier, lighter look of the Caprice. 1970. Very near the last good year for "old" US Cars.

[@palmermccall7309]

Both engines sound fantastic, under the hood, but I have to disagree about the Buick sounding "wonderful" at the tailpipes. I would be embarrassed to drive it. To me, the best-sounding engine is one that cannot be heard. I would take a car like that for a whole new exhaust to eliminate that noise, which is not befitting a luxury car. Terrific cars and review, as usual for you!

[@tdvandy2]

The Kennard dealer logo on the back of the Buick could mean that that car was sold new in my hometown of La Crosse, Wisconsin. That was the name of the Buick dealer there until right around that time. My first car was a '70 Bel Air that I purchased in 1982 for $800. It was absolutely in beautiful condition. I love all of your videos, but that Caprice, I think, is my favorite of all of your cars. Thanks Adam!

[@RareClassicCars]

That is where it was sold!

[@tdvandy2]

@@RareClassicCars So cool! At least to me!

[@cadillacguy1890]

The Electra conveys more of a upscale image. The longer wheelbase, thicker padding and brocade upholstery on the seats, more formal styling and the Buick’s superior isolation and ride make it the better, more prestigious car. BUT, is it worth the nearly $1,200 difference? That’s like $6,000 in today’s dollars. Unless my automotive budget could more than easily handle the cost of the Buick, I’d most likely order a fully equipped Caprice and enjoy a really nice car.