Dodge Charger

vs

Ford Falcon

USA vs Australia — 1969 vs 1971

Dodge Charger (1969)
Ford Falcon (1971)
Specifications
Charger R/T 440 MagnumFalcon GT-HO Phase III (XY)
Horsepower375 hp300 hp
Torque450 lb-ft369 lb-ft
Engine Size7,210 cc5,766 cc
0-60 mph6.0 sec6.4 sec
Top Speed130 mph142 mph
¼ Mile14.0 sec14.4 sec
Wheelbase2,972 mm2,819 mm
Length5,283 mm4,870 mm
Units Produced18,025300
Value (Excellent)$180,000$1,500,000
Collectibility5/105/10
Rarity5/109/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum brings more power, quicker acceleration, better value to the table, and the 1971 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III (XY) answers with higher top speed, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

The rivalry between USA and Australia automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum versus 1971 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III (XY) is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum holds a clear advantage in raw power with 375 hp compared to 300 hp, a 75-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Dodge Charger uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 7,210 cc, while the Ford Falcon relies on a V8 OHV with 5,766 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum edges ahead at 6.0 seconds versus 6.4 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 300 units built, the 1971 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III (XY) is considerably scarcer than the Dodge Charger's 18,025 examples. On the collector market, the 1971 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III (XY) commands a significant premium over the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.