|
Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum. You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today! If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us. Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated. |
|
The Pub For General Automotive Related Talk |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
22-03-2011, 04:31 PM | #1 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 46
|
I was just wondering whether or not there is much support out there for the what could be the last of the Ford Falcons.
Ford plans to kill the falcon off and replace it with the taurus seem rather rushed and not a very well educated decision if thats the way it goes. For instance the taurus is 5.3 meters long and 2.3 meters wide compared to the falcon at 4.9m long and 1.8m wide. Just curious, would there be very many car parks in aus that would fit a sedan that size. One thing that caught my eye though was the weight of the taurus, the base model with no extras weighs a hefty two tonnes campared to the falcon xt at 1700kg. The only thing the tuarus has going for it in any sense is technology and the lame SHO performance model which is awd (which looses the awd drive advantage due to weight) has 272kw at 5500rpm and 475nm of torque from 1500-5000rpm coming out of a 3.5 twin turbo V6. But it still wouldnt out muscle our own performance falcon xr6 turbo weighing much less with 270kw at 5000rpm and 550nm of torque from 2000-4000rpm. The funny thing is it hasnt even been compared to our fpv range YET. There has also just recently been a journalist from Australia test drive the SHO and compared it to our own breed and says besides the tech factor the xr6 turbo out muscles the SHO in every performance catagory. Now with ford aus releasing the new ecoboost 4 soon, people looking for economy wont be hard to come by. But for us enthusiasts who enjoy our rwd cars are going to loose out with an overweight oversized and underpowered sedan from the states. My point in all this is we should build support for the dying breed and challange the yanks to drive our cars and NOT to like them. Lets challenge ford america to a duel or anything to prove that our car is far superior to theirs for once instead of lying down and letting them walk all over us. It would almost be guaranteed that if they did this the tuarus would be getting the chop and not our history rich beloved ford falcon. If they dont want to spend the cash them im sure there are more then enough falcon and even holden fans out there who would donate to get the ball rolling. Christ knows what will happen to the Ford VS Holden rivalry if the tuarus makes it to our shores. |
||
22-03-2011, 04:44 PM | #2 | ||
FPRJET
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 1,143
|
I`ll wait for the others to educate you with 36 post`s i suggest you read a few more threads. Fact is we don`t know whats happening with the Falcon still they tell us.
|
||
22-03-2011, 04:50 PM | #3 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 46
|
all im trying to do is get support before a final decision is made. you never know with enough people backing up the falcon it could sway them into keeping the falcon. its more a preventative opinion on a final decision that could be made.
|
||
22-03-2011, 05:09 PM | #4 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Canberra Region
Posts: 9,098
|
Width is 1953mm. Not sure where you are getting 2.3m from
__________________
2016 FGX XR8 Sprint, 6speed manual, Kinetic Blue #170 2004 BA wagon RTV project. 1998 EL XR8, Auto, Hot Chilli Red 1993 ED XR6, 5speed, Polynesian Green. 1 of 329. Retired 1968 XT Falcon 500 wagon, 3 on the tree, 3.6L. Patina project. |
||
22-03-2011, 05:14 PM | #5 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 46
|
sorry i wrote it down incorrect. on the ford america website it says its 85.7 inches wide which converted is 2.17 meters. lol
|
||
22-03-2011, 05:16 PM | #6 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,078
|
Quote:
|
|||
22-03-2011, 05:24 PM | #7 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 11,430
|
I recon the Aussie public has now quit on Falcon and Ford are in a flat spin,
the feeling is that people wanting a large sedan will go buy a Commodore. The only way back for Ford is a completely new car and image, it's will take a long time for people to build up trust in a new car.... |
||
22-03-2011, 05:57 PM | #8 | ||
_Oo===oO_
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Australia
Posts: 3,305
|
sly6pk, if Ford Oz imports the 2015/16 Taurus, or if the next Falcon is based off the platform that underpins it, you have to keep in mind that it will be an all new platform (most probably with a fair amount of input from Ford Oz).
There's no point comparing the current Taurus and Falcon and freaking out (except for the fact that Taurus has many goodies that the Falcon misses out on) |
||
22-03-2011, 06:07 PM | #9 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: On The Footplate.
Posts: 5,086
|
Parking spaces? I've suspected they're getting smaller for years...but then again, when you park, say, a new Falcon or Commodore beside one from 25 years ago, it's a huge car compared to the old one, so maybe it's cars that have grown...
|
||
22-03-2011, 06:14 PM | #10 | ||
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Bat Cave
Posts: 1,237
|
Keep in mind your measurements are probably mirror tip to mirror tip, and the FG measurements quoted are body, the FG is over 2m wide probably wider than the Taurus when you include mirrors
Basic difference, the USA thing is a FWD forget that you can have awd, it's a fwd car, has an east west fwd layout and that's it, if it were to have a north south engine and be available in rwd for the 2wd model it might not be so bad Edit** just measured and my FG is approx 217cm measured from side mirrors edge to edge |
||
22-03-2011, 06:25 PM | #11 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 46
|
maybe its not so much the sales that should be looked at for the falcon. how about exporting it overseas to build a reputation, maybe a joint venture between ford aus and ford usa would produce something far better then either these cars. its good to see the different views and opinions here. one issue that presses on me is that the australian team seem to be getting left out of it. we have great engineers here. look at the camaro. im just saying us aussies should be given a fair go thats all. wat about all the pending job losses that could occur. sales would help i agree but maybe we need to look overseas for its survival.
|
||
22-03-2011, 06:29 PM | #12 | ||
Lukeyson
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Maitland, NSW
Posts: 2,593
|
I'd like to see a back to back comparison between a couple of different Taurus/Mustang models versus a couple of Falcons. I'd find that interesting.
Taurus SHO vs XR6T/F6/F6E Taurus Limited vs G6E/G6ET Taurus SEL vs G6 Taurus SE vs XT Mustangs vs FPV GS/GT Mustang Premiums vs GTP/GTE If an FPV 351 ever eventuates, this would be suitable to pitch against a GT500. Although the FPV might still want a few more neddies to keep up.... Lukeyson
__________________
If the human brain was simple enough to understand, we'd be too simple to understand it. |
||
22-03-2011, 06:35 PM | #13 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 46
|
Thats what im hoping for. id like to see the real life comparisons on the same day, same place, with a bunch of different drivers to get a whole picture thing going on.
who wouldnt want to see ford aus go up against ford usa. i think we would put a good fight up considering the size of aus to the U.S. |
||
22-03-2011, 06:40 PM | #14 | |||
Peter Car
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: geelong
Posts: 23,145
|
Quote:
http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...257856001FC824 But why do we need another new Falcon Vs Taurus thread everyday, the way its going the public will soon believe its fact and not buy any Falcons at all. |
|||
22-03-2011, 07:32 PM | #15 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 11,430
|
Quote:
The way Drive and Go Auto are pushing out the negative stories on Falcon, it's a wonder they think Ford even builds the Falcon anymore... Or does the public even care any more.... |
|||
22-03-2011, 07:43 PM | #16 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,063
|
seems when "sales are sinking" The media love a bad news story and this compunds with Many "end of production/end of the world" stories..
Im so sick of negative ford press... but ford havent done themselves any favours lately either... LTD gone.. OLD wagon BA BF WITH AU REAR?? common ford?!!! GONE LPG Gone temporarily.. Ancient ESCAPE... LAck of holden style adverising.... Oh and as for above I think Falcon would come out on top in all cattegory's excluding interior tech... |
||
23-03-2011, 09:29 AM | #17 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,312
|
FPV should at least sell their wares in the states. it would come across as a "four door mustang". i'm sure they'd do well in the UK too.
I reckon putting the falcon and taurus side by side in the showroom would be the best way to settle which is best argument. As for ford, i can't imagine them letting them sell falcon anywhere, even if the $$ work out. The american 'big three' are still under the belief that americans will only buy cars built in the USA. (i believe Hyundai are making a killing there too).
__________________
My ride: 2007 Falcon Ute BF XR8 Orange, MTO. |
||
23-03-2011, 02:13 PM | #18 | ||
B1 - J & D Services
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Brim, Victoria
Posts: 1,638
|
The current Falcon is pretty awful, that is why sales are no good... Hopefully the new tech coming will help, but build quality and poor customer service will probably make sure it doesn't...
Taurus build quality is from a different world compared to Falcon. Hopefully they get there act together soon and come up with a viable plan that will allow them to make good quality Falcons again...
__________________
Mr. Brett Johnstone. 2002 Ford Laser 2000 Ford Falcon Wagon Egas 1999 Subaru Imprezza Sportwagon 1998 Holden Suburban 2500 1995 Land Rover Discovery TDI 1994 XG XR6 Longreach 1983 Holden Rodeo 1975 Datsun 120Y wagon 1970 MG Midget 1967 Rover 2000TC Soon: Model T. |
||
23-03-2011, 05:02 PM | #19 | |||
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ipswich QLD
Posts: 4,697
|
Quote:
|
|||
23-03-2011, 05:07 PM | #20 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,128
|
Quote:
Most would agree that FG is best quality Falcon to date . I do agree that US Ford lifted their quality and is bettering Toyotas and Hondas in some instances (cars). |
|||
23-03-2011, 09:53 PM | #21 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 46
|
I do believe there is a tuarus in Melbourne at the moment. Itd be great to see a full comparo. I do agree with the interior and tech the tuarus has. Its beyond wat the falcon has here but that could change in an instant if ford aus adopted ideas from the states.
|
||
23-03-2011, 09:56 PM | #22 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 770
|
Quote:
Can't fault that statement at all. it's dead on the money basically don't just talk about it, do it. When the misses wants a new car don't spend 30 grand on an imported car buy a locally made falcon for the same or less.Or if you need a work ute don't go and buy a hilux, with extra clearance that you probably will never need buy a falcon ute |
|||
23-03-2011, 10:15 PM | #23 | ||
Falcon follower
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Alice Springs or Brisbane depends on the weather
Posts: 2,697
|
I think if Mulaly brings on the Taurus to replace the Falcon, within 2 years it can consider itself a fulfledged importer only in Aust.
Ford Aust should go back to what it did many many years ago and look at what Australians need and it is still a basic cheap reliable car without the trims, with a cheaper price, this is why people are leaving to imports, Aussies just want a good cheap car. No special tech, no electric everything in basic style models, just build a car that gets from A to B. Sorry about the rant and a bit off topic Last edited by Rico 110s; 23-03-2011 at 10:22 PM. |
||
24-03-2011, 07:14 PM | #24 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,128
|
Quote:
You are joking :-) if Ford Oz was to go that way it might as well shut the shop. Which import cars are without electrics and basic. Cars these days sell more on eqipment then anything else. |
|||
24-03-2011, 07:17 PM | #25 | |||
Thailand Specials
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 50,000
|
Quote:
My $18,000 WS CL Fiesta has a much better stereo then the Falcon ute, even my Focus (but thats still better than the Falcon). |
|||
24-03-2011, 07:39 PM | #26 | ||
Barra Turbo > V8
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 26,376
|
Id buy an SHO Taurus over an XR6T/G6ET :
__________________
-2011 XR6 Turbo Ute - Lux Pack - M6 - OEM+ -2022 Hyundai Tucson Highlander Diesel N Line |
||
24-03-2011, 08:06 PM | #27 | ||
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Bat Cave
Posts: 1,237
|
Never!
|
||
24-03-2011, 08:18 PM | #28 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 1,053
|
Tonight's news was tipping petrol to go as high as $1.80 a Litre in the next couple of months .. how long can people keep running big 6 and 8 cylinder cars the way things are going?
I'm peeved off enough just keeping my 2 Litre 4 cylinder topped up! .. |
||
24-03-2011, 08:37 PM | #29 | |||
Straight Eight
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 2,049
|
Quote:
And you go on being quite negative yourself jp. The Chief editor and star of the TopGear Australia Ewen Page, and editor of TopGear Australia regularly respond to comments on the sites blogs. And I put it to Ewen to do a back to back test in the magazine and/or show. I even told him where he could find a Taurus. (FoA HQ) Hopefully something comes of this. In fact in the latest article... they sent a journo to states to try the different models... and he didn't like any of them. And basically said it's not up to par with Falcon. This is why we need to export Falcon out of Australia, and away from ill educated Australian oafs. As much as it pains me to say. Australia has as high an idiot to regular joe ratio as any country. Maybe even higher.
__________________
The Falcon is dead. Long live the Mighty Falcon. |
|||
24-03-2011, 08:39 PM | #30 | |||
Straight Eight
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 2,049
|
Quote:
__________________
The Falcon is dead. Long live the Mighty Falcon. |
|||