When the Falcon Became a True Australian Muscle Icon
By 1973, the Falcon had already cemented itself as a household name. The XA Falcon introduced a completely Australian-designed body, modern styling, and refined performance, including the legendary GT-HO Phase IV. But Ford Australia wasn’t done — the XB Falcon took the Falcon to new heights, delivering a more aggressive design, further engineering improvements, and cementing the Falcon’s reputation as Australia’s ultimate muscle car platform.
While the XA had modernized the Falcon and introduced a refined driving experience, the XB expanded its performance, handling, and visual impact — laying the groundwork for some of the most celebrated Falcons in Australian motoring history.
Design and Styling Comparison
Exterior Design
The XA Falcon had already introduced a bold “coke bottle” design:
- Sharper, angular body lines
- Longer, lower stance
- Modern grille and headlight design
- Subtle performance styling on GT models
The XB Falcon refined this further:
- More aggressive front-end styling with new grille design
- Revised bumper and indicator placement
- Sharper tail light clusters with unique designs for performance models
- Larger wheels and slightly flared guards on GT-HO variants
- Distinctive bonnet bulges on performance models
The XB looked more muscular and purposeful, signaling a Falcon designed to dominate both the road and the track.
Interior Design
XA interior features included:
- Redesigned dashboard and steering wheel
- Vinyl trim
- Optional bucket seats
- Improved ergonomics and interior space
XB improvements included:
- Updated dashboard layout with better instrumentation
- Higher-quality materials and trim
- Improved seating comfort
- Enhanced ergonomics for driver-focused models
The XB cabin felt more refined, while still retaining the practicality Falcon owners expected.
Platform and Engineering Changes
The XB retained the XA’s body-on-chassis architecture but introduced meaningful engineering updates:
Chassis and suspension:
- Refined suspension tuning for improved handling and stability
- Stronger suspension components to handle high-performance V8 outputs
- Optional front disc brakes across more models
Safety improvements:
- Reinforced body structure in key areas
- Improved braking performance for larger, more powerful engines
- Better driver ergonomics and safety features
Performance engineering:
- GT and GT-HO models benefited from stronger driveline components
- Improved cooling for V8 engines
- Enhanced handling balance for aggressive driving
The XB represented a maturation of the Australian Falcon platform, balancing performance and refinement.
Engine and Drivetrain Comparison
Engine Options
XA Falcon engines:
Six-cylinder:
- 3.3L inline six
- 4.1L inline six
V8:
- 302 Windsor V8
- 351 Windsor V8 (Phase IV in GT-HO models)
XB Falcon engines:
The XB carried over the same engine lineup with performance refinements:
Six-cylinder:
- 3.3L inline six
- 4.1L inline six
V8:
- 302 Windsor V8
- 351 Windsor V8 with further tuning for GT-HO models
While engine displacement was similar, performance tuning, cooling, and drivetrain upgrades in the XB improved reliability and handling under high-performance conditions.
Transmission Options
Both XA and XB offered:
- 3-speed manual
- Optional automatic
- 4-speed manual on performance models
GT-HO models benefited from strengthened gearboxes to handle higher power.
Performance Comparison
Performance differences were most notable in high-performance variants:
XB advantages:
- Improved suspension tuning for better cornering
- Stronger driveline and cooling systems for 351 V8 engines
- Better handling and braking balance
- Peak refinement of the “coke bottle” Falcon platform
While standard models saw modest improvements, XB GT-HO models were faster, more stable, and more usable on public roads compared to XA Phase IV models.
Model Range Comparison
XA Falcon range:
- Sedan, Wagon, Utility, Panel Van
- Fairmont luxury variant
- GT and GT-HO Phase IV
XB Falcon range:
- Sedan, Wagon, Utility, Panel Van
- Fairmont luxury variant
- GS sports variants
- GT and GT-HO Phase V
The XB GT-HO Phase V, although less extreme than its Phase IV predecessor, became a highly collectible model and reinforced Falcon’s performance legacy.
The XB continued to offer broad appeal to families, fleet buyers, and performance enthusiasts.
Technology and Features
XA features included:
- Optional air conditioning
- Improved brakes and suspension
- Modernized interior trim
- Phase IV GT-HO performance features
XB improvements included:
- Refinement of braking and suspension systems
- Improved drivetrain reliability
- Enhanced interior fit and finish
- Optional comfort features across more variants
- Better cooling and handling on high-performance models
While technology advances were evolutionary rather than revolutionary, they improved both usability and durability.
Driving Experience
XA Falcon
Strengths:
- Comfortable ride
- Excellent V8 performance
- Modern interior and ergonomics
- Balanced handling for its time
Weaknesses:
- Some suspension limitations under high-speed driving
- Braking performance less aggressive than XB improvements
XB Falcon
Improvements:
- Sharper, more confident handling
- Better high-speed stability
- Enhanced braking and drivetrain refinement
- Refined V8 performance for longer reliability
- GT-HO models offered track-capable performance without losing daily usability
The XB drove more like a professional muscle car while retaining the everyday usability that made Falcons popular.
Reliability and Common Problems
XA Falcon
- Generally robust
- Rust in lower sills and guards common
- High-performance GT-HO models require careful maintenance
XB Falcon
- Similar mechanical reliability to XA
- Improved suspension and drivetrain durability
- High-performance models require regular maintenance
- Rust remains a common issue in original cars
Both remain solid classics, with condition and maintenance history being the biggest factors today.
Ownership Costs Today
Purchase Price:
- XA: Slightly lower for standard models; Phase IV GT-HO models collectible
- XB: Higher due to improved refinement; GT-HO Phase V models highly desirable
Parts Availability:
- Strong support networks exist for both
- GT-HO specific components can be expensive
Running Costs:
- Similar for standard models
- V8 models, especially GT-HO variants, cost more to maintain and fuel
Collector and Enthusiast Value
XA Falcon:
- First Australian-designed Falcon
- GT-HO Phase IV significance
- Early muscle car legacy
XB Falcon:
- Peak refinement of “coke bottle” Falcon design
- GT-HO Phase V performance legacy
- Highly collectible due to rarity and performance reputation
Choose XA if:
- You want the start of the fully Australian Falcon era
- You value Phase IV GT-HO legacy
- You prefer slightly simpler mechanics
Choose XB if:
- You want peak “coke bottle” Falcon refinement
- You value Phase V GT-HO performance and collectibility
- You want slightly improved handling, braking, and usability
Verdict – Which Is Better?
The XA represents the birth of the fully Australian-designed Falcon and set the stage for the muscle car era. The XB refined that formula, improving handling, braking, and performance while keeping the Falcon’s legendary spirit alive.
XA Falcon: Historic, raw, and the start of Australia’s muscle car Falcon era.
XB Falcon: Refined, more capable, and collectible, with GT-HO Phase V performance pedigree. For collectors, the XB usually holds higher value, while the XA is prized for its historic significance and the GT-HO Phase IV legend. Together, they define one of Australia’s most iconic automotive eras.