USA vs Australia — 1964 vs 1968
| GTO 389 Tri-Power | Falcon GT-HO Phase III | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 348 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 428 lb-ft | 360 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,375 cc | 5,763 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.6 sec | 6.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 145 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.8 sec | 14.4 sec |
| Weight | 3,400 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,921 mm | 2,819 mm |
| Length | 5,181 mm | 4,908 mm |
| Units Produced | 32,450 | 300 |
| Original MSRP | $2,852 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $120,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 10/10 |
This matchup is remarkably close. The 1964 Pontiac GTO 389 Tri-Power offers more power, stronger collectibility, better value, while the 1968 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III counters with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. Neither holds a decisive advantage, making this a true enthusiast's dilemma. Your choice ultimately depends on which driving philosophy resonates more with you.
When USA engineering meets Australia craftsmanship, the result is one of the most compelling matchups in the classic car world. The 1964 Pontiac GTO 389 Tri-Power and 1968 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III embody their respective national automotive traditions while competing in the same arena. The 1964 Pontiac GTO 389 Tri-Power holds a clear advantage in raw power with 348 hp compared to 300 hp, a 48-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Pontiac GTO uses a V8 OHV (Pontiac 389) displacing 6,375 cc, while the Ford Falcon GT-HO relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 5,763 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1968 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III edges ahead at 6.4 seconds versus 6.6 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 300 units built, the 1968 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III is considerably scarcer than the Pontiac GTO's 32,450 examples. On the collector market, the 1968 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III commands a significant premium over the 1964 Pontiac GTO 389 Tri-Power, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1964 Pontiac GTO 389 Tri-Power rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.