Cost of a new Ford FG Falcon
- Base sedan models started at approximately $35,000–$36,000
- XR6, XR8, and XR6 Turbo models ranged from $38,000–$50,000 depending on options
- The FG Falcon introduced significant styling updates, improved aerodynamics, refined suspension, and advanced electronics
Average wage
- Average weekly wage: about $1,000–$1,020 per week
- Average annual wage: about $52,000–$53,000
Average house price
- Around $320,000–$330,000
Price of petrol
- Around $1.40 per litre, reflecting rising global oil prices
Prime Minister
- Kevin Rudd (Labor Party)
Population of Australia
- About 21.0 million people
Top-grossing movie
- The Dark Knight, Iron Man, and Mamma Mia! were major hits internationally and in Australia
Top song
- Low by Flo Rida topped Australian charts
Significant world event
- The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) was beginning to affect markets worldwide
- Technology, mobile phones, and the internet were increasingly central to daily life and business
Popular TV / radio in Australia
- Popular shows included Home and Away, Neighbours, and Rove Live
- FM radio and early online streaming were shaping music and media consumption
Significant Australian news story
- The GFC and its impact on the economy dominated headlines
- Car buyers were increasingly focused on safety, comfort, technology, and reliability, reflected in FG Falcon sales
Interesting comparisons
- The FG Falcon cost roughly 0.7 of a year’s average wage, XR6/XR8 variants approached 0.95 of a year’s wage
- The average house cost about 6 times a yearly wage
- Filling the ~70L tank in an FG Falcon cost about $100, while Fairlane and LTD tanks could cost $105–$110
- A week’s wages could buy roughly 700 litres of petrol