USA vs Australia — 1960 vs 1971
| Falcon | Falcon GT-HO Phase III | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 6.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 87 mph | 142 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 21.0 sec | 14.4 sec |
| Weight | 2,300 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,768 mm | 2,819 mm |
| Length | 4,547 mm | 4,900 mm |
| Units Produced | 435,676 | 300 |
| Original MSRP | $1,912 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $18,000 | $1,400,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 2/10 | 10/10 |
The 1971 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1960 Ford Falcon counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Tracing the evolution of the Ford Falcon from 1960 to 1971 offers a compelling look at how automotive design and engineering progressed. These two variants showcase the changing face of Ford. The 1971 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III 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 GT-HO Phase III edges ahead at 6.4 seconds versus 17.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 300 units built, the 1971 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III is considerably scarcer than the Ford Falcon's 435,676 examples. On the collector market, the 1971 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III commands a significant premium over the 1960 Ford Falcon, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.