Entering the 21st Century
By 2002, the Ford Falcon had been an Australian motoring icon for nearly 50 years. The AU Falcon had introduced a bold, modern design in the late 1990s, featuring independent rear suspension, refined engines, and contemporary styling. While it marked a significant step forward, some critics cited polarizing styling and conservative engineering choices that left room for improvement.
The BA Falcon represented a major overhaul over the AU. The BA combined modern styling with a more balanced design, updated engines, enhanced suspension, and advanced technology. It also addressed many of the criticisms of the AU, making it a more appealing and usable Falcon for both families and performance enthusiasts.
Design and Styling Comparison
Exterior Design
AU Falcon styling included:
- Bold New Edge rounded curves
- Aerodynamic body with flowing lines
- Aggressive XR6/XR8 trims
BA Falcon introduced:
- Smoother, more cohesive lines with less polarizing curves
- Redesigned front bumper, grille, and headlights
- Refined rear styling with integrated tail lights
- Balanced proportions appealing to a wider audience
- Optional sports and luxury trims for XR and Fairmont models
The BA looked more conservative, modern and universally appealing than the AU, resolving some of the controversial styling elements while maintaining the Falcon’s performance stance.
Interior Design
AU interior highlights included:
- Driver-focused cockpit
- Comfortable seats
- Modern instrumentation and controls
BA interior improvements included:
- Redesigned dashboard with higher-quality materials
- Enhanced ergonomics for driver and passenger
- Redesigned seats for comfort and support on long drives
- Wider availability of air conditioning, power features, and optional cruise control
- Modern infotainment options for the era
The BA interior felt more refined, comfortable, and practical than the AU, aligning with early 2000s expectations for family and performance sedans.
Platform and Engineering Changes
The BA introduced major mechanical updates over the AU:
Chassis and suspension:
- Retained independent rear suspension on sedans
- Revised suspension geometry for improved handling and ride comfort
- Strengthened chassis for better high-speed stability
Brakes and safety:
- Disc brakes standard across all models
- Improved ABS, traction control, and optional stability systems
- Stronger body structure and improved occupant protection
Performance engineering:
- Updated inline-six and V8 engines with improved power and efficiency
- Refined driveline and transmission for smoother operation
- Improved handling balance and cornering for XR6/XR8 variants
The BA offered a more modern, capable, and refined driving experience than the AU.
Engine and Drivetrain Comparison
Engine Options
AU Falcon engines:
Six-cylinder:
- 4.0L Intech inline six standard
- XR6 High Output inline six
V8:
- 5.0L Windsor V8 XR8 and GT
BA Falcon engines:
Six-cylinder:
- 4.0L Barra inline six with improved reliability and power
- XR6 Turbo Charged High Output variant with refined performance and smooth delivery
V8:
- 5.4L modular V8 optional in XR8 (introduced late BA series)
- Improved power, throttle response, and drivability
The BA engines were more powerful, smoother, and technologically advanced compared to the AU, delivering better performance and fuel efficiency.
Transmission Options
BA offered:
- 5-speed manual and 4/5-speed automatic
- Improved gear ratios for smoother acceleration and highway cruising
- Enhanced reliability and responsiveness compared to AU
Performance Comparison
The BA provided:
- Smoother, more controlled ride
- Improved handling and cornering stability
- Better braking and steering feel
- XR6/XR8 performance retained and enhanced
Compared to the AU, the BA felt more modern, composed, and enjoyable for everyday and spirited driving.
Model Range Comparison
AU Falcon range:
- Sedan, Wagon, Utility
- Fairmont luxury variant
- XR6 and XR8 performance variants
BA Falcon range:
- Sedan, Wagon, Utility
- Fairmont luxury variant with upgraded features
- XR6 and XR8 with enhanced engines and handling
- Optional luxury and technology packages
The BA expanded comfort, technology, and driving refinement while keeping Falcon’s performance heritage intact.
Technology and Features
AU features included:
- New Edge cockpit and driver-focused interior
- Air conditioning, power windows, mirrors
- Independent rear suspension
BA improvements included:
- Redesigned interior with higher-quality materials
- Improved ergonomics and modern controls
- Wider availability of comfort features, cruise control, and optional infotainment
- Suspension and handling refinements
- Enhanced safety systems
The BA emphasized modern driving comfort, safety, and usability while maintaining performance appeal.
Driving Experience
AU Falcon
Strengths:
- Bold New Edge styling
- XR6/XR8 performance capable
- Independent rear suspension for better handling
Weaknesses:
- Polarizing exterior styling
- Some suspension and ride issues criticized
- Less refined interior
BA Falcon
Improvements:
- Smoother, more refined ride
- Improved handling and braking feel
- Modernized interior with better ergonomics
- Enhanced XR6/XR8 performance
The BA offered a fully modernized driving experience while maintaining Falcon’s iconic rear-wheel-drive character.
Reliability and Common Problems
AU Falcon
- Reliable but early models had minor gearbox and suspension teething issues
- Rust in older vehicles, especially in panel edges
- XR6/XR8 variants require routine care
BA Falcon
- Improved reliability with refined engines and driveline
- Minimal early teething issues
- Rust can still affect older vehicles but generally less prevalent
- High-performance variants require regular maintenance
The BA benefited from modern engineering, reducing common problems found in the AU.
Ownership Costs Today
Purchase Price:
- AU: Early models affordable; XR6/XR8 variants collectible
- BA: Standard models moderately priced; XR6/XR8 increasingly desirable
Parts Availability:
- Good support for both generations
- Performance parts for XR6/XR8 slightly more expensive on BA
Running Costs:
- Similar for standard models
- High-performance XR6/XR8 variants cost more to maintain
Collector and Enthusiast Value
AU Falcon:
- Bold late-1990s design
- Independent rear suspension
- Comfortable, reliable, performance-capable
BA Falcon:
- Early 2000s refinement with smoother design
- Enhanced engines and handling
- Modern interior and safety
- Increasingly collectible XR6/XR8 variants
Choose AU if:
- You value bold styling and late-1990s Falcon engineering
- You prefer classic New Edge character
Choose BA if:
- You want smoother, modern design with refined performance
- You value early 2000s technology, comfort, and safety
- You are looking for a practical collector car
Verdict – Which Is Better?
The AU represented a radical redesign with bold styling, independent rear suspension, and modernized performance. The BA refined that platform with improved styling, more powerful and efficient engines, enhanced handling, and a more comfortable interior.
AU Falcon: Bold late-1990s New Edge design, independent rear suspension, XR6/XR8 performance.
BA Falcon: Smooth early-2000s refinement, improved engines, modern interior, enhanced performance. For collectors, the AU is valued for its significance in Falcon history and distinctive styling, while the BA is prized for refinement, comfort, and modernized performance. Together, they show the Falcon’s evolution into a fully modern 21st-century sedan