When the Falcon Became a True Australian Performance Legend
By 1968, the Falcon had already established itself as a serious competitor in the Australian market. The XT Falcon had refined the successful XR formula, introduced improved engines, and strengthened Ford’s growing performance reputation. But it was the next evolution, the XW Falcon, that would truly cement the Falcon’s place in Australian performance history.
Released in 1969, the XW Falcon was an evolution of the previous model XT Falcon, but it introduced important upgrades in performance, range expansion, and engineering maturity. Most notably, it introduced the famous 351 cubic inch V8 option and helped build the Falcon GT legend through motorsport success.
While the XT helped refine the modern Falcon formula, the XW helped turn Falcon into a true muscle car contender.
Design and Styling Comparison
Exterior Design
The XT Falcon continued the styling introduced by the XR, maintaining the same basic body shape with minor visual updates.
XT design characteristics included:
- Clean late-1960s styling
- Horizontal grille design
- Simple tail light design
- Conservative family sedan appearance
The XW Falcon again retained the same core body structure but introduced more noticeable visual changes.
XW styling updates included:
- New grille with more aggressive styling
- Revised tail light design
- New side marker lights (to meet updated regulations)
- Updated badging
- Minor body trim updates
The changes were again evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but they helped keep the Falcon visually fresh and aligned with changing styling trends.
The Falcon’s proportions now looked more muscular, helping reinforce its growing performance image.
Interior Design
Interior improvements followed the same evolutionary approach.
XT interior features included:
- Modern dashboard layout
- Vinyl trim options
- Optional bucket seats
- Basic luxury equipment
XW improvements included:
- Updated trim patterns
- Improved seat designs
- Slightly improved materials
- Better interior finish consistency
While not dramatically different, the XW benefited from Ford’s continued improvements in production quality and interior presentation.
Platform and Engineering Changes
By the time the XW arrived, the XR platform had already proven itself, so Ford focused on refining engineering and expanding capability rather than redesigning the structure.
Key XW improvements included:
Suspension refinement
Ford continued tuning the suspension for:
- Improved ride comfort
- Better high-speed stability
- Improved handling in performance models
Brake improvements
Some models benefited from improved braking options, particularly important as engine power increased.
Strength improvements
Performance variants received strengthening improvements to handle higher engine outputs.
These incremental improvements helped ensure the Falcon could safely handle increasing performance levels.
Engine and Drivetrain Comparison
This is where the biggest differences between XT and XW become clear.
Engine Options
XT Falcon engines:
Six-cylinder:
- 188 cubic inch (3.1L) inline six
- 200 cubic inch (3.3L) inline six
V8:
- 302 cubic inch (4.9L) Windsor V8
These engines helped establish Falcon’s dual identity as both a family car and a performance car.
XW Falcon engines:
The XW expanded the performance story significantly.
Six-cylinder:
- Continued 3.1L and 3.3L engines
V8:
- 302 cubic inch (4.9L) V8
- New 351 cubic inch (5.8L) Windsor V8 (major development)
The introduction of the 351 was a major milestone and would become one of the most famous Falcon performance engines.
Transmission Options
Both XT and XW offered:
- 3-speed manual
- Optional automatic transmissions
Performance models gained stronger drivetrain components to handle increased power.
Performance Comparison
The biggest performance jump comes from the introduction of the 351 V8 in the XW.
XW advantages included:
- Greater performance potential
- Stronger acceleration in 351 models
- Improved high-speed capability
- Expanded performance credibility
This helped establish the Falcon as a serious performance platform rather than just a family sedan with optional power.
Model Range Comparison
The XT already had a strong model range, but the XW expanded it further.
XT range included:
- Sedan
- Wagon
- Utility
- Panel van
- Fairmont luxury variant
- GT performance model
The XW expanded the range further by introducing one of the most important Falcon models ever — the GS performance series.
Key XW performance models included:
- GT
- GS (new performance-oriented variant)
The Ford Falcon GT (XW) became one of the most famous Falcons thanks to its motorsport success, including victory at the Bathurst 500.
The GS models also made Falcon performance more accessible to buyers who wanted sporty styling without the cost of a GT.
This greatly expanded Falcon’s enthusiast appeal.
Technology and Features
Technology improvements were again evolutionary.
XT features included:
- Optional front disc brakes
- Improved ventilation systems
- Optional radios
- Growing comfort equipment
XW improvements included:
- Improved braking options
- Better equipment availability
- Minor electrical improvements
- Continued safety refinements
As with previous updates, the XW focused on improving the overall package rather than introducing revolutionary technology.
Driving Experience
XT Falcon Driving Experience
The XT delivered a well-balanced driving experience for its time.
Strengths included:
- Comfortable ride
- Good engine options
- Solid highway performance
- Good practicality
Weaknesses included:
- Limited performance compared to later models
- Basic braking in lower models
XW Falcon Driving Experience
The XW improved this formula and added genuine muscle car performance in V8 models.
Improvements included:
- Better handling stability
- Stronger performance in 351 variants
- Slightly improved ride tuning
- Greater enthusiast appeal
The 351-powered XW models especially transformed the Falcon into a serious performance car.
Reliability and Common Problems
XT Falcon Reliability
XT Falcons are generally considered strong classic cars today.
Strengths include:
- Proven engines
- Solid platform
- Good parts support
Common issues today:
- Rust
- Suspension wear
- Electrical ageing
XW Falcon Reliability
The XW continued Falcon’s strong reliability reputation.
Advantages included:
- Continued engineering improvements
- Strong driveline durability
- Good mechanical simplicity
Like the XT, most issues today are related to age rather than design.
Performance variants may require more maintenance due to higher stresses.
Ownership Costs Today
Ownership costs vary depending on specification.
Key considerations include:
Purchase price
XT:
- Often slightly cheaper entry point
- GT variants valuable
XW:
- Often slightly higher values
- GT and GS models especially desirable
- Motorsport history adds value
Parts availability
Both benefit from strong classic Falcon support.
351 engine components can sometimes be more expensive than smaller engines.
Running costs
Similar overall, though larger V8 engines increase fuel and maintenance costs.
Condition remains the biggest cost factor.
Collector and Enthusiast Value
Both models are highly respected, but the XW often has stronger performance recognition.
XT importance:
- Continued Falcon development
- Introduction of 302 V8
- Strengthening of GT reputation
XW importance:
- Introduction of 351 V8
- Bathurst racing success
- Introduction of GS models
- Major performance credibility growth
Choose XT for:
- Earlier development significance
- XR/XT era styling preference
- Slightly lower entry cost
Choose XW for:
- Stronger performance heritage
- Motorsport success
- Greater enthusiast demand
The XW GT is particularly desirable due to its racing history.
Verdict – Which Is Better?
Because the XW builds directly on the XT, it usually represents the more developed package.
Choose XT Falcon if:
- You want the earlier version of the design
- You prefer the historical link to XR
- You want a slightly simpler classic
- You find a better example available
Choose XW Falcon if:
- You want stronger performance potential
- You want the 351 V8 option
- You value Bathurst racing history
- You want a key Falcon muscle car era vehicle
Final Verdict
The XT Falcon helped refine the modern Falcon formula, but the XW Falcon helped turn that formula into a genuine performance legend.
In simple terms:
XT refined the Falcon.
XW unleashed its performance potential. For most enthusiasts, the XW represents the more significant car due to its performance legacy and motorsport success, but the XT remains an important part of Falcon development as the car that helped prepare the Falcon for its muscle car era.