Cost of a new Ford EL Falcon
- Base sedan models started at approximately $29,000–$30,000
- GLi and Futura models ranged from $31,000–$33,000
- Performance XR6 and XR8 variants could exceed $37,000
- The EL featured refined exterior styling, improved suspension, upgraded interior trim, and modern electronics, continuing the focus on family comfort, safety, and optional performance
Cost of a Ford NL Fairlane
- Base NL Fairlane sedan started at around $42,000–$44,000
- Higher-spec models could exceed $48,000, offering premium leather interiors, climate control, power accessories, and luxury features
Cost of a Ford DL LTD
- Base DL LTD models started at approximately $53,000–$55,000
- The LTD remained Ford Australia’s flagship luxury sedan, featuring executive comfort, advanced technology, and top-tier finishes
Average wage
- Average weekly wage: about $800–$820 per week
- Average annual wage: about $41,500–$42,500
Average house price
- Around $200,000–$210,000
Price of petrol
- Around $1.10–$1.15 per litre
Prime Minister
- John Howard (Liberal Party)
Population of Australia
- About 18.0 million people
Top-grossing movie
- Independence Day, Twister, and Mission: Impossible were international and Australian hits
Top song
- Macarena by Los del Río dominated Australian charts
Significant world event
- The mid-1990s economic recovery continued, with technological adoption accelerating
- Internationally, globalisation and the internet began reshaping business, media, and lifestyle
Popular TV / radio in Australia
- Popular shows included Home and Away, Neighbours, and Hey Hey It’s Saturday
- FM radio remained dominant for pop and youth music, shaping consumer trends
Significant Australian news story
- John Howard’s government focused on economic management and infrastructure
- Consumer preferences leaned toward luxury, performance, and safety, influencing Falcon, Fairlane, and LTD sales
Interesting comparisons
- The EL Falcon cost roughly 0.7 of a year’s average wage, XR6/XR8 variants approached 0.9 of a year’s wage
- The average house cost about 5 times a yearly wage
- Filling the ~70L tank in an EL Falcon cost about $80, while Fairlane and LTD tanks could cost $95–$100
- A week’s wages could buy roughly 600–620 litres of petrol