Australia vs Australia — 1948 vs 1972
| 48-215 FX | LJ Torana GTR XU-1 Bathurst | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 60 hp | 186 hp |
| Torque | 105 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,171 cc | 3,310 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 8.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 80 mph | 124 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 15.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,251 lbs | 2,348 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,642 mm | 2,540 mm |
| Length | 4,420 mm | 4,330 mm |
| Units Produced | 120,402 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $80,000 | $350,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1948 Holden 48-215 FX brings better value to the table, and the 1972 Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1 Bathurst answers with more power, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Holden has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1948 Holden 48-215 FX with the 1972 Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1 Bathurst highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1972 Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1 Bathurst holds a clear advantage in raw power with 186 hp compared to 60 hp, a 126-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. The 1972 Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1 Bathurst claims a higher top speed at 124 mph compared to 80 mph. On the collector market, the 1972 Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1 Bathurst commands a significant premium over the 1948 Holden 48-215 FX, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.