Early 1990s Refinement for the Modern Falcon
By 1991, the Ford Falcon had been Australia’s iconic family car and performance sedan for over 35 years. The Ford Falcon (EA) had introduced a completely modern late-1980s design, aerodynamic styling, and the first XR6 and XR8 variants. However, Ford Australia recognized the need to refine the Falcon further — improving comfort, safety, and drivability for the 1990s.
The EB Falcon was the first significant update to the EA platform. While mechanically similar, the EB offered updated styling, improved suspension, modernized interiors, and enhanced features for everyday usability — making it a bridge between the 1980s Falcons and the fully modern 1990s models. The EB was probably best known for bringing the V8 engine back to the Ford Falcon line up.
Design and Styling Comparison
Exterior Design
EA Falcon styling included:
- Rounded aerodynamic body
- Sleek front grille and headlights
- Smooth side panels
- Bonnet without bulges on standard models
EB Falcon updates included:
- Updated front bumper and grille with integrated indicators
- Slightly revised tail lights and rear styling
- Cleaner panel lines and minor aerodynamic tweaks
- Subtle styling changes to improve modern appeal
The EB looked like a more modern and polished evolution of the EA while maintaining the aerodynamic silhouette introduced in the late 1980s.
Interior Design
EA interior highlights included:
- Redesigned dashboard with digital-style gauges
- Comfortable seats
- Optional air conditioning
EB interior improvements included:
- Updated dashboard layout with improved materials
- Better seat support and comfort
- Wider availability of convenience features like air conditioning, power windows, and mirrors
- Improved ergonomics for driver and passengers
The EB’s interior felt more refined and user-friendly, reflecting early 1990s expectations for comfort and usability.
Platform and Engineering Changes
The EB retained the EA platform but introduced key refinements:
Chassis and suspension:
- Refined suspension for improved ride and handling balance
- Minor adjustments to MacPherson strut front and four-link rear setup
- Better stability at highway speeds
Brakes and safety:
- Disc brakes standard across more models
- Improved pedal feel and braking performance
- Strengthened body for improved occupant safety
Performance engineering:
- Driveline refinements for smoother operation
- Minor engine updates for reliability
- Improved handling and stability for XR variants
The EB offered a smoother, safer, and more comfortable driving experience than the EA.
Engine and Drivetrain Comparison
Engine Options
EA Falcon engines:
Six-cylinder:
- 3.2L inline six
- 3.9L inline six
EB Falcon engines:
Six-cylinder:
- 4.9L “inline six” updated for improved reliability
- 4.0L High Output variant in XR6 models
V8:
- 5.0L Windsor V8 in XR8 and GT models
The EB engines were mechanically similar to the EA but offered improved reliability, smoother operation, and better fuel efficiency.
Transmission Options
Both EA and EB offered:
- 4-speed manual
- Optional 4-speed automatic
- Strengthened gearboxes for performance variants
Transmission ratios and clutch feel were slightly improved in the EB, especially for high-performance models.
Performance Comparison
Compared to the EA, the EB provided:
- Smoother handling and improved cornering stability
- Enhanced braking and pedal feel
- Refined acceleration for both six-cylinder and V8 variants
- Continued XR6/XR8 performance with improved drivability
The EB retained the fun driving characteristics of the EA while improving comfort, refinement, and everyday usability.
Model Range Comparison
EA Falcon range:
- Sedan, Wagon
- Fairmont luxury variant
EB Falcon range:
- Sedan, Wagonn
- Fairmont luxury variant
- XR6 and XR8 updated for reliability and features
- GT
The EB expanded comfort and refinement while maintaining Falcon’s performance pedigree, appealing to families and enthusiasts alike.
Technology and Features
EA features included:
- Aerodynamic design and comfortable cabin
- Optional air conditioning and power features
- Modernized dashboard
EB improvements included:
- Wider availability of air conditioning, power windows, and mirrors
- Updated dashboard with improved materials
- Enhanced suspension and braking refinement
- Improved fuel management and reliability
The EB emphasized modern convenience, comfort, and drivability while retaining Falcon performance DNA.
Driving Experience
EA Falcon
Strengths:
- Smooth ride for late-1980s design
- Aerodynamic design for highway stability
Weaknesses:
- Less refined than early 1990s expectations
- Limited convenience features on base models
- Reliability issues
EB Falcon
Improvements:
- Smoother, more comfortable ride
- Improved handling and braking
- Modernized interior and features
- Retained XR6/XR8 performance potential
The EB was a more user-friendly Falcon with the refinement expected in the early 1990s.
Reliability and Common Problems
EA Falcon
- Generally reliable
- Rust can be an issue on older panels
- Electrical issues do start to surface
EB Falcon
- Improved mechanical reliability
- Minor updates to suspension, brakes, and driveline
- Rust still present but slightly less severe
- Performance models require regular attention
The EB benefited from minor engineering refinements that improved durability over the EA.
Ownership Costs Today
Purchase Price:
- EA: Fairmont variants collectible; standard models affordable
- EB: Early 1990s models less expensive than later Falcons; XR variants and V8 models increasingly desirable
Parts Availability:
- Good support for both generations
- Performance-specific parts more expensive
Running Costs:
- Similar across six-cylinder and V8 variants
- High-performance XR6/XR8 variants cost more to maintain
Collector and Enthusiast Value
EA Falcon:
- Late-1980s Falcon modernization
- Historic significance as the first modern aerodynamic Falcon
EB Falcon:
- Early-1990s refinement of EA platform
- XR6/XR8 variants increasingly collectible
- Comfortable, reliable, and practical for enthusiasts
Choose EA if:
- You prefer late-1980s styling and character
- You are after one of the early E series Falcons
Choose EB if:
- You want improved refinement, reliability, and features
- You value early-1990s XR6/XR8 performance variants
- You want a practical, comfortable collector car
Verdict – Which Is Better?
The EA represents the bold late-1980s Falcon modernization, introducing performance and aerodynamic styling. It was the first of the E series. The EB refined that formula for the early 1990s, improving comfort, handling, and reliability while retaining the performance DNA that made the Falcon an Australian icon.
EA Falcon: Late-1980s modernization, classic aerodynamic design.
EB Falcon: Early-1990s refinement, improved reliability and comfort, XR6/XR8 evolution. For collectors, the EA is prized for historic significance and introduction of XR variants, while the EB is valued for refinement, usability, and early-1990s driving experience. Together, they illustrate the Falcon’s evolution into a truly modern performance sedan.