Holden Monaro

vs

Ford Falcon

Australia vs Australia — 1969 vs 1971

Holden Monaro (1969)
Ford Falcon (1971)
Specifications
Monaro GTS 350Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Hardtop
Horsepower300 hp300 hp
Torque350 lb-ft360 lb-ft
Engine Size5,735 cc5,763 cc
0-60 mph6.7 sec6.8 sec
Top Speed135 mph137 mph
¼ Mile14.8 sec14.6 sec
Wheelbase2,743 mm2,819 mm
Length4,762 mm4,880 mm
Units Produced250
Value (Excellent)$180,000$1,200,000
Collectibility5/105/10
Rarity7/1010/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1969 Holden Monaro GTS 350 brings quicker acceleration, better value to the table, and the 1971 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Hardtop answers with higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

In the world of Muscle Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1969 Holden Monaro GTS 350 versus the 1971 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Hardtop. Both hail from Muscle era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1969 Holden Monaro GTS 350 producing 300 hp and the 1971 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Hardtop delivering 300 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Holden Monaro uses a V8 OHV displacing 5,735 cc, while the Ford Falcon relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 5,763 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1969 Holden Monaro GTS 350 edges ahead at 6.7 seconds versus 6.8 seconds. On the collector market, the 1971 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Hardtop commands a significant premium over the 1969 Holden Monaro GTS 350, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.