Australia vs Australia — 1979 vs 1988
| Falcon XD ESP V8 | Falcon EA-EL EB GT 5.0 V8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 224 hp | 220 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,942 cc | 4,942 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 sec | 7.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 127 mph | 143 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.5 sec | 15.3 sec |
| Weight | 3,197 lbs | 3,505 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,770 mm | 2,778 mm |
| Length | 4,775 mm | 4,896 mm |
| Value (Excellent) | $70,000 | $40,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1979 Ford Australia Falcon XD ESP V8 brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1988 Ford Australia Falcon EA-EL EB GT 5.0 V8 answers with quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Ford Australia Falcon XD. The 1979 and 1988 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1979 Ford Australia Falcon XD ESP V8 producing 224 hp and the 1988 Ford Australia Falcon EA-EL EB GT 5.0 V8 delivering 220 hp. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1988 Ford Australia Falcon EA-EL EB GT 5.0 V8 edges ahead at 7.2 seconds versus 8.0 seconds. The Ford Australia Falcon XD carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 308 lbs lighter. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.