This is an interesting comparison. IMHO, the most efficient power maker was the Hemi which could actually be driven on the street, but was very finicky to be in proper tune. If maintenance was no problem, and you were serious about racing, the Hemi was the way to go. The Boss- 429 was anything but a street engine, and was an absolute dog in drag racing due to its monstrous intake ports. At full song on a straightaway it would beat even the mighty Hemi, which is what it was designed to do in NASCAR. When NASCAR limited engine size to 358cuin, the monster engines were relegated to hot rods and drag racing which the Boss really sucked at. The 454 wasn't the most efficient or the most powerful, but it was the most flexible engine to drive on the street and probably provided the most FUN for the dollar that GM ever produced. Power adding options and transmission options were/are readily available for cheap even today, and they could be run ragged with a minimum of maintenance. Chevrolet's 454 is the way to go if you want a muscle toy.
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