USA vs Australia — 1960 vs 1971
| Falcon | Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Hardtop | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 85 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 130 lb-ft | 360 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,365 cc | 5,763 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 17.0 sec | 6.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 87 mph | 137 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 21.0 sec | 14.6 sec |
| Weight | 2,300 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,768 mm | 2,819 mm |
| Length | 4,547 mm | 4,880 mm |
| Units Produced | 435,676 | 250 |
| Original MSRP | $1,912 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $18,000 | $1,200,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 2/10 | 10/10 |
Numbers favor the 1971 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Hardtop with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1960 Ford Falcon offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Ford Falcon. The 1960 and 1971 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1971 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Hardtop holds a clear advantage in raw power with 300 hp compared to 85 hp, a 215-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Falcon uses a Inline-6 OHV displacing 2,365 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 17.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 250 units built, the 1971 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Hardtop is considerably scarcer than the Ford Falcon's 435,676 examples. On the collector market, the 1971 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Hardtop commands a significant premium over the 1960 Ford Falcon, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.