Australia vs Australia — 1979 vs 1988
| Falcon XD ESP V8 | Falcon EL GT 5.0 V8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 224 hp | 185 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,942 cc | 4,942 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 sec | 7.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 127 mph | 140 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.5 sec | 15.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,197 lbs | 3,549 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,770 mm | 2,778 mm |
| Length | 4,775 mm | 4,907 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 250 |
| Value (Excellent) | $70,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1979 Ford Australia Falcon XD ESP V8 brings more power, lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 1988 Ford Australia Falcon EL 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. The 1979 Ford Australia Falcon XD ESP V8 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 224 hp compared to 185 hp, a 39-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1988 Ford Australia Falcon EL GT 5.0 V8 edges ahead at 7.5 seconds versus 8.0 seconds. The Ford Australia Falcon XD carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 352 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.