USA vs Australia — 1966 vs 1971
| GTO Tri-Power 389 | Falcon GT-HO Phase III | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 360 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 424 lb-ft | 360 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,374 cc | 5,763 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.2 sec | 6.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 142 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.0 sec | 14.4 sec |
| Wheelbase | 2,946 mm | 2,819 mm |
| Length | 5,156 mm | 4,900 mm |
| Units Produced | 96,946 | 300 |
| Value (Excellent) | $130,000 | $1,400,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 10/10 |
Two outstanding machines, each with compelling strengths. The 1966 Pontiac GTO Tri-Power 389 excels in more power, quicker acceleration, better value, while the 1971 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III stands out for higher top speed, greater rarity. The best advice? Drive both if you can, then follow your instincts.
Putting the 1966 Pontiac GTO Tri-Power 389 against the 1971 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III is a comparison that enthusiasts have debated for decades. Each car reflects distinct design philosophies shaped by different automotive cultures — USA versus Australia. The 1966 Pontiac GTO Tri-Power 389 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 360 hp compared to 300 hp, a 60-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Pontiac GTO uses a V8 OHV displacing 6,374 cc, while the Ford Falcon relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 5,763 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1966 Pontiac GTO Tri-Power 389 edges ahead at 6.2 seconds versus 6.4 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 Pontiac GTO's 96,946 examples. On the collector market, the 1971 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III commands a significant premium over the 1966 Pontiac GTO Tri-Power 389, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.