Australia vs Australia — 1962 vs 1973
| Cortina GT500 | Falcon XC Cobra Hardtop | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 161 hp |
| Torque | 240 lb-ft | 254 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,089 cc | 4,942 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.0 sec | 8.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 121 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.5 sec | 16.2 sec |
| Weight | 2,425 lbs | 3,307 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,565 mm | 2,819 mm |
| Length | 4,340 mm | 4,870 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 400 |
| Value (Excellent) | $45,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1962 Ford Australia Cortina GT500 brings lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 1973 Ford Australia Falcon XC Cobra Hardtop answers with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Ford Australia has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1962 Ford Australia Cortina GT500 with the 1973 Ford Australia Falcon XC Cobra Hardtop highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1962 Ford Australia Cortina GT500 producing 175 hp and the 1973 Ford Australia Falcon XC Cobra Hardtop delivering 161 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Australia Cortina uses a Inline-6 OHV Crossflow displacing 4,089 cc, while the Ford Australia Falcon XC Cobra relies on a V8 OHV with 4,942 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1973 Ford Australia Falcon XC Cobra Hardtop edges ahead at 8.5 seconds versus 9.0 seconds. The Ford Australia Cortina carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 882 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1973 Ford Australia Falcon XC Cobra Hardtop commands a significant premium over the 1962 Ford Australia Cortina GT500, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1973 Ford Australia Falcon XC Cobra Hardtop rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.