Australia vs USA — 1971 vs 1963
| Falcon GT-HO Phase III | Falcon Futura Sprint 289 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 360 lb-ft | 282 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,763 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.4 sec | 8.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 142 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.4 sec | 16.0 sec |
| Weight | — | 2,850 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,819 mm | 2,781 mm |
| Length | 4,900 mm | 4,699 mm |
| Units Produced | 300 | — |
| Original MSRP | — | $2,671 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,400,000 | $50,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1971 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1963 Ford Falcon Futura Sprint 289 answers with stronger collectibility, better value. 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 Falcon. The 1971 and 1963 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1971 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III holds a clear advantage in raw power with 300 hp compared to 200 hp, a 100-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Falcon uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 5,763 cc, while the Ford Falcon Futura relies on a V8 OHV with 4,736 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III edges ahead at 6.4 seconds versus 8.2 seconds. On the collector market, the 1971 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III commands a significant premium over the 1963 Ford Falcon Futura Sprint 289, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.