Holden Monaro GTS

vs

Ford Falcon

Australia vs Australia — 1968 vs 1971

Holden Monaro GTS (1968)
Ford Falcon (1971)
Specifications
Monaro GTS HK GTS 327Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Hardtop
Horsepower250 hp300 hp
Torque325 lb-ft360 lb-ft
Engine Size5,359 cc5,763 cc
0-60 mph7.0 sec6.8 sec
Top Speed130 mph137 mph
¼ Mile15.0 sec14.6 sec
Weight3,197 lbs
Wheelbase2,743 mm2,819 mm
Length4,604 mm4,880 mm
Units Produced250
Value (Excellent)$300,000$1,200,000
Collectibility8/105/10
Rarity7/1010/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1968 Holden Monaro GTS HK GTS 327 brings stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 1971 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Hardtop answers with more power, quicker acceleration, 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 1968 Holden Monaro GTS HK GTS 327 versus the 1971 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Hardtop. Both hail from Muscle era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1971 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Hardtop holds a clear advantage in raw power with 300 hp compared to 250 hp, a 50-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Holden Monaro GTS uses a V8 Chevrolet 327 displacing 5,359 cc, while the Ford Falcon relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 5,763 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Hardtop edges ahead at 6.8 seconds versus 7.0 seconds. On the collector market, the 1971 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Hardtop commands a significant premium over the 1968 Holden Monaro GTS HK GTS 327, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1968 Holden Monaro GTS HK GTS 327 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.