Late-1990s Refinement and Performance
By 1996, the Ford Falcon had been Australia’s iconic family and performance car for over 40 years. The EF Falcon had introduced New Edge styling, refined XR6/XR8 performance, and modernized interiors. However, Ford Australia sought to continue refining the Falcon for the late 1990s with improved comfort, handling, and performance without straying from its core identity.
The EL Falcon represented a subtle evolution of the EF platform. While based on the same architecture, the EL brought minor exterior and interior updates, enhanced engines, and suspension refinements, making it a more polished and usable Falcon for the late 1990s.
Design and Styling Comparison
Exterior Design
EF Falcon styling included:
- New Edge angular lines and sharper creases
- Redesigned front bumper and grille
- Aggressive rear styling with reshaped tail lights
EL Falcon introduced subtle updates:
- Refreshed front grille and headlights with slightly modernized look
- Minor rear styling tweaks including updated tail lights
- Slight body refinements for improved aerodynamics
- Optional sporty trims retained for XR variants
The EL looked like a polished evolution of the EF, keeping the New Edge style fresh and appealing.
Interior Design
EF interior highlights included:
- Modern dashboard with ergonomic layout
- Comfortable seats
- Air conditioning, power windows, and mirrors
EL interior improvements included:
- Updated dashboard materials and minor layout refinements
- Seats redesigned for slightly better support and comfort
- Improved instrument clarity and controls
- Wider availability of convenience features including cruise control and optional luxury upgrades
The EL interior felt slightly more refined and modern compared to the EF, enhancing comfort for daily driving.
Platform and Engineering Changes
The EL retained the EF platform but incorporated several refinements:
Chassis and suspension:
- Suspension retuned for improved ride and handling balance
- Slight upgrades to struts and rear four-link setup
- Better stability at highway speeds and smoother ride over bumps
Brakes and safety:
- Disc brakes standard across all models
- Minor improvements to braking performance and feel
- Reinforced structure for improved occupant safety
Performance engineering:
- Engine management updates for smoother and more reliable performance
- Suspension tweaks for improved cornering
- Driveline and gearbox refinements for performance variants
The EL delivered a more comfortable, refined, and safer driving experience than the EF while maintaining XR6/XR8 performance.
Engine and Drivetrain Comparison
Engine Options
EF Falcon engines:
Six-cylinder:
- 4.0L inline six, standard and High Output XR6
- 5.0L Windsor V8 in XR8
EL Falcon engines:
Six-cylinder:
- 4.0L inline six with minor updates for smoother operation
- High Output XR6 variant refined for reliability and performance
V8:
- 5.0L Windsor V8 in XR8 and GT, minor tuning improvements for drivability
The EL engines were similar to the EF but offered enhanced smoothness, improved throttle response, and slightly better reliability.
Transmission Options
Both EF and EL offered:
- 4-speed manual
- Optional 4-speed automatic
- Minor refinements to clutch and gearbox for smoother operation
Performance Comparison
The EL provided:
- Improved ride and handling balance
- Smoother steering and braking feel
- XR6/XR8 performance maintained with refined drivability
- More composed and comfortable daily driving experience
The EL retained EF’s fun driving character while improving comfort, handling, and usability.
Model Range Comparison
EF Falcon range:
- Sedan, Wagon
- Fairmont luxury variant
- XR6 and XR8 performance variants
EL Falcon range:
- Sedan, Wagon
- Fairmont luxury variant with optional comfort upgrades
- XR6 and XR8 variants refined for better drivability
The EL emphasized refinement, usability, and comfort while keeping Falcon’s performance DNA intact.
Technology and Features
EF features included:
- New Edge design and comfortable cabin
- Air conditioning, power windows, and mirrors
- Digital-style gauges
EL improvements included:
- Updated dashboard materials and minor layout refinements
- Wider availability of air conditioning, cruise control, and power features
- Suspension and braking refinements
- Improved driveline for smoother XR6/XR8 performance
The EL emphasized comfort, usability, and subtle refinement while retaining performance.
Driving Experience
EF Falcon
Strengths:
- New Edge design and comfortable ride
- XR6/XR8 performance capable
- Balanced handling
Weaknesses:
- Some interior materials showing age by late 1990s
- Ride and handling less refined than EL
EL Falcon
Improvements:
- Smoother ride and improved handling
- Refined braking and steering feel
- Updated interior and controls
- Maintained XR6/XR8 performance
The EL provided a more polished and confident driving experience while maintaining Falcon’s fun and performance heritage.
Reliability and Common Problems
EF Falcon
- Reliable for its era
- Rust can be an issue in older panels
- XR6/XR8 variants require regular maintenance
EL Falcon
- Improved durability and refinement
- Suspension and driveline upgrades
- Rust remains a concern but slightly reduced
- Performance models need regular attention
The EL benefited from minor engineering updates, making it slightly more reliable than the EF.
Ownership Costs Today
Purchase Price:
- EF: Standard models affordable; XR6/XR8 increasingly collectible
- EL: Standard models moderately priced; XR variants desirable for collectors
Parts Availability:
- Good support for both generations
- XR6/XR8 parts limited and more expensive
Running Costs:
- Similar across standard models
- High-performance XR6/XR8 variants cost more to maintain
Collector and Enthusiast Value
EF Falcon:
- Mid-1990s New Edge design
- XR6/XR8 lineage
- Comfortable, reliable, and practical
EL Falcon:
- Late-1990s refinement of New Edge design
- XR6/XR8 performance evolution
- Slightly more modern interior and driving experience
- Increasingly desirable as a mid-1990s classic
Choose EF if:
- You prefer earlier New Edge styling and driving feel
- You value simplicity and classic mid-1990s Falcon character
Choose EL if:
- You want subtle refinements, improved comfort, and usability
- You value late-1990s XR6/XR8 performance
- You want a more polished mid-1990s collector car
Verdict – Which Is Better?
The EF represents the New Edge introduction with modernized styling and XR6/XR8 performance. The EL refined that platform with improved handling, ride, and usability while retaining Falcon’s performance heritage.
EF Falcon: New Edge introduction, balanced mid-1990s performance, classic XR6/XR8 lineage.
EL Falcon: Late-1990s refinement, smoother ride, improved interior, XR6/XR8 evolution. For collectors, the EF is valued for its historic significance as the first New Edge Falcon, while the EL is prized for refinement, comfort, and late-1990s usability. Together, they show the Falcon evolving into a more modern, user-friendly performance sedan