Yes, it's another case of the Holden vs. Ford fever.... anyway....
Recently I've able to road test two Australian made automobiles. I didn't get to drive them, but I got to sit inside then and get a feel of what the car is like under different road conditions. Now these tests weren't like a one day thing, I've been doing this undercover for a few months now so people shall remain nameless.
The first automobile is the 2000 model Holden Commodore VT Berlina and the latter is the 2001 Ford Falcon AU Series I Classic.
Obviously both cars are from a similar era and have also done similar milage of around 150-180000kms. I can't judge the exterior from what I see because two different people own the cars and are maintained differently to each other. All I'm going to rave on about is engine power and interior features.
HOLDEN COMMODORE BERLINA VT SERIES 1.0 SEDAN (AUTO)
I'll start off with the Commodore. The unit I reviewed was Bermuda Silver in colour and I can definitely see Holden's paintwork has dramatically improved since the 1990s when they started off with the VN. The paintwork has held up very well and still retains that nice shine like when new and not with a single bit of colour fading.
Now the Berlina is close to what I say "top of the line" so it has quite a whack of features such as power mirrors/ windows, cruise control, trip computer, velour seats, self opening boot etc.
The Commodore has this kinda oomph feeling once the accelerator is pressed, it jumps forwards like a mad horse which is one thing I really like.
The engine contained within the review vehicle is a Holden manufactured and GM designed 3.8L V6 engine which as I mentioned above produces massive amounts of torque to the rear wheels that drive the car. The transmission I believe is a 4 speed GM Hydramatic series tranny found in the Pontiac Gran Prix and Lumina variants sold in the USA.
All wheels on the Berlina I reviewed are factory fitted 15"alloys with a teardrop design similar to that of the Toyota MR2 which I suppose is suitable for everyone whether young or old. What I did notice however was excess cabin noise infiltrated by road noise, similar to the Corolla I drive. To some people that can be an annoyance, but I don't mind that road noise.
The boot of the car is spacious, you can fit two large sized suitcases without getting your ass kicked due to space constraints. The cabin is very spacious allowing a large person like me to stretch thier legs very easily without any constraints whatsoever and there was plenty of shoulder and headroom as well which makes it suitable for large families.
The Berlina has climate control air conditioning which allows you to set the cabin temperatures to what you like and as a bonus it even tells you the outside temperature at the press of a button. There are also air conditioning vents in the rear of the car which is a good feature for rear passengers.
Dual airbags are a part of the safety pack which is quite adequate for a car of that era. The suspension was a bit stiff, but it was a thing I liked about the car and I suppose that makes the car safer because it isn't spongy like cheap/old cars.
I also sat in the drivers seat of the Berlina to get a feel of driving comfort and I'd have to say that there is more than enough room up there. The front drivers seat has an electric height adjustment control but the rest of the controls are manual. Holden still incorporates that spinning knob which adjusts seat back angle and also the seat angle. I find this quite annoying as you have to spin it through many revolutions to fully recline the seat or to straighten it to a correct angle compared to many Japanese cars which use a lever and a bit of body power to push the seat into your favourite position. But the knob however allows a more accurate and minute adjustment stage.
Visibility of the front of the car is adequate, but rear view clearance is sub average as I could not see obstacles on the left or right the rear clearly due to the rear pillars of the rear windows, also I could not see obstacles 1-2m from the rear tailgate which may pose a problem for some people. A reverse sensor should help significantly here.
The Commodore's audio options include an in-dash CD/cassette/tuner player manufactured by Eurovox. The 4 speakers included are adequate but produce average audio reproduction.
Holden Commodore VT series scientific specifications (Courtesy of http://www.users.on.net/~nweber/commodore/vt/vt-specs.html):
Engines:
Transmissions: - 5 speed manual (V6 and 5.0L V8): Getrag
- 6 speed manual (5.7L V8): T56
- 4 speed automatic: GM
Suspension: - Front: MacPherson strut, incorporating wet sleeve shock absorbers. Direct acting stabiliser bar. Progressive rate coil springs.
- Rear: Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). Semi-trailing arm. Progressive rate miniblock coil springs. Stabiliser bar.
- Sports Suspension Option (FE2): Front: Firmer spring rate. Revised stabiliser bar diameter. Reduced ride height. Rear: Firmer spring rate. Gas pressure shock absorbers. On wagon, revised stabiliser bar diameter.
Steering: - Type: Variable ratio rack & pinion. Variable power assist.
- Turning circle: Sedan: 11.0m, Wagon: 11.5m
- Turns lock to lock: 2.8
Brakes: - Front: Ventilated disc and finned twin-piston caliper.
- Rear: Disc
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Bosch 5.3
Wheels/Tyres: - Wheels: 15 inch steel on Executive, Acclaim; 15 inch alloy wheels for Berlina; 16 inch alloy wheels for Calais and S; 17 inch alloy wheels for SS
- Tyres: P205/65 R15 95H for 15 inch wheels; P225/50 for 16 inch wheels; P235/45 for 17 inch wheels
Dimensions:
Sedan Wagon
Wheelbase (mm): 2788 2938
Front track (mm): 1569 1569
Rear track (mm): 1587 1587
Overall length (mm): 4882 5040
Overall width (mirrors) (mm): 1842 1847
Overall height (mm): 1450 1545
Leg room (Front) (mm): 1072 1072
Leg room (Rear) (mm): 992 992
Shoulder room (mm): 1518 1518
Head room (Front) (mm): 988 1002
Head room (Rear) (mm): 968 1069
Hip room (Front) (mm): 1516 1516
Hip room (Rear) (mm): 1516 1516
Cargo volume (L): 475 2683
Fuel Consumption: AS2877 - V6 Automatic City / Highway: 12.0 / 7.2 (L/100km)
- V6 Manual: 11.0 / 7.2 (L/100km)
- Supercharged V6 Automatic: 13.5 / 7.8 (L/100km)
- V8 5.0L Automatic: 15.0 / 9.0 (L/100km)
- V8 5.0L Manual: 14.0 / 9.0 (L/100km)
- V8 5.7L Automatic City/Highway: 13.0 / 8.5 (L/100km)
- V8 5.7L Manual: 13.0 / 7.4 (L/100km)
Fuel Tank: - Petrol Tank Capacity: 75L
- LPG Tank Capacity: 60L
Differential: - Ratio: 3.08:1
- Ratio (Series II V8 auto): 3.07:1
- Ratio (Series II V8 manual): 3.46:1
- Ratio (Series II V8 HSV manual): 3.73:1
- Ratio (Series II V8 HSV GTS): 3.91:1
Weight: - Executive sedan with V6 (kg): 1551
- Executive wagon with V6 (kg): 1611
- Executive sedan with V8 (kg): 1643
- Executive wagon with V8 (kg): 1702
FORD FALCON AU CLASSIC SERIES 1.0 SEDAN (AUTO)- Now for my second test vehicle, the Ford Falcon Classic AU Series I. The test unit I reviewed was Congo Green in colour which has held up very well through the test of time when you compare it to a wide range of cars out there. The Falcon incorporates a straight six 4.0L engine that pumps out a moderate157KW which is silky smooth and very quiet. Torque output is adequate and quite high, much similar to the Commodore.
The unit I reviewed came standard with 15" Ford "spoke" styled alloy wheels, air conditioning, rear sports spoiler, front power windows, power mirrors, radio cassette unit and an exclusive dark brown interior which is exclusive to the Classic. One feature that was not standard however was the LPG tank in the rear which was an aftermarket fitment.
The interior of the Falcon is well designed with a sensory of oval designs similar to that of the American Ford Taurus. What I did notice was that the Ford was dramatically quieter than the Commodore. Only a minimal amount of road noise was infiltrated into the cabin of the car. The engine was also quieter than the Commodore which many people will favour.
What i did notice however with the Falcon was a smaller amount of bodyroll when turning corners at speed. I think this is probably due to the slightly longer wheelbase the Falcon has.
The interior space of the Falcon is larger than that of the Commodore and I suppose the boot would have been larger without the LPG tank in place, also another reason why Taxis use the Falcon.
Ford incorporated push button switches for the power windows compared to Holden's sliding pull switches which I seem to prefer. The air conditioning/ fan control unit is not a climate control system but is the conventional system with the use of fan switches and cold/hot dials. The audio system in the Falcon was better than the Commodore which is one thing I favour most. The audio reproduction through FM radio was of high quality and produced high bass through the front and the rear speakers (4 speakers total) of the car. It's just a shame the deck did not have a CD player. One feature I took into notice was the 1 hour keyless play of the audio system which allows you to play the audio system without a key for 1 hour.
The front seats of the car are all manual adjustment systems which also incorporate the knob system like holden where you must turn the knob for adjustments. The space in the front seats are large and adequate for almost anyone. Since I did not sit in the drivers seat of the car, I could not determine the views of the rear Window or through the windshield of the car. From the front passenger seat, I estimated that the visibility of the front end of the car should be okay as I could see the where the bonnet ended, just like the Commodore. As a rear seat passenger for the majority of time the Falcon has adequate shoulder room, leg room and head room for large passengers; but due to the more streamlines and stylish oval exterior design that the Falcon offers, a fraction of head-room and upper shoulder space is missing when compared to the Commodore; it's not a big problem but very tall people will struggle just a bit but it;s not going to be as bad as sitting in a subcompact.
The transmission system is one thing I took notice of inside the Ford, it's a 4 speed auto and also has a power button which I think prevents the car from going into over drive to create more torque. The gears are geared at mid range to low RPM from what I could feel as a passenger which is the reason for ride comfort and cabin quietness when compred to the high RPM geared Commodore.
Steering wheel audio controls were a feature I really liked, same with the cruise control option on the Fords steering wheel compared to the Commodore's stick/ knob system. Dual airbags were standard on the Classic Falcon which is a good thing in terms of safety. However I don't think it had pre tensioner belts if I'm mistakened, and neither did the Commodore. The suspension system in the Ford was just perfect. It was between stiff and soft, which allowed a comfortable ride comfort quality level similar to that of the Honda Accord. Another thing liked about the Ford was the doors, they were very easy and quiet to close compared to the Commodore which was heavier to close.
Ford Falcon AU Forte (not Classic) scientific specifications (www.drive.com.au):
| Make | FORD | | Family | FALCON | | Model Variant | FORTE | | Car Series | AU | | Year | 1998 | | Doors and Body Style | 4D SEDAN | | Engine Size | 4 litres (3984 cc) | | Fuel System | MULTI POINT F/INJ | | Cylinders | 6 | | Driven Wheels | RWD | | Standard Transmission | 4A | | Optional Transmission | 5M opt | | Standard Features | Airbag Driver, Air Conditioning, Central Locking Remote Control, Cloth Trim, Engine Immobiliser, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Radio Cassette with 4 Speakers | | Optional Features | Airbag Passenger, Anti-lock Braking, Alloy Wheels, Cruise Control, Heavy Duty Tow Pack, Independent Rear Suspension, Limited Slip Differential, Metallic Paint Special, Power Sunroof, Sports Suspension | | Dealer Options | | | No Cost Options | | | Bore and Stroke | 92.3x99.3 mm | | Power | 157 kW | | Torque | 357 Nm | | Weight to Power Ratio | 9.65 : 1 (kg/kW) | | Front Brakes | DV | | Rear Brakes | DC | | Wheel Dimension | 6.0Jx15 | | Turning Circle | 10.9 m | | Compression Ratio | 9.6 | | Final Ratio | 3.08 | | Tank Capacity | 68 litres | | Exterior Length | 4907 mm | | Exterior Width | 1870 mm | | Exterior Height | 1481 mm | | Front Track | 1566 mm | | Rear Track | 1547 mm | | Wheel Base | 2793 mm | | Front Suspension | Ind; double wishbones long spindle coil springs ru | | Rear Suspension | LX; upper & lower longitudinal trailing arms trans | | Kerb Weight | 1515 kg | | Ground Clearance | 140 mm | | Seating Capacity | 5 | | Highway Fuel Consumption | 7 (lt/100km) | | City Fuel Consumption | 11.5 (lt/100km) | | Towing Capacity | 2300 kg | | Release Date | 01/09/1998 | | Discontinued Date | 30/04/2000 | | New Price (standard) | $29990 | | Average Kms | 165,000 | | Model Run | [AU](Sep) Silver vert bar grille. Repl GLi | | VIN Location | Pass Side Eng Scuttle | | Country of Origin | AUSTRALIA |
So I guess in the end of the review, it's going to be a hard choice between the two Aussie built sixes but in my opinion I think the Ford is going to win over the Commodore in terms of ride comfort and quality. But then the Holden is going to win over the Ford due to the power options included. So I suppose it's a tie between the two of them.
.... But you can't have a tie in a review can you?! *sigh*
Hard choice to make, I know. But the Ford gets my thumbs up making it the winner due to its value for money and smooth ride handling.
The Holden was very close, but lacked that extra bit of quiet and smooth ride handling operation.
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