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#1 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Topend of Oz since 1980
Posts: 5,299
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I decided to do a comparison between my XR6 and the BM I just bought. The outcome of this and MY opinion might surprise you.
First the XR6. I bought the vehicle with 142k on it in December 2010, drove it from Ipswitch to Darwin via Canberra covering 8,000km in six days. As of today the car has travelled 163k. The BMW I bought in November 2012, drove from Perth to Darwin via Canberra covering just under 10,000km in 11 days. The car has 237k on it but engine and gearbox have less than 20,000km. So, to the comparison Vehicle model XR6 is AU 111 2001 5 speed manual BMW is 635CSi 1986 5 speed manual Claimed vehicle weights XR6 - 1470kg BMW - 1470kg Standard engine power XR6 - 164kw / 220bhp BMW - 163kw / 218bhp Estimated power with upgrades XR6 - 186kw / 250bhp (CAI, headers, 100 cell cat & 2.5 sports system) BMW - 179kw / 240bhp (Bored to 3.6litre and Alpina B10 chip) Engine sound and feel XR6 - has an almost flat torque curve and pulls strongly with a fairly constant acceleration through to 5,500 rpm, with a deep sound. BMW - average acceleration to 3,500 rpm then my God it just hauls through to 6,000rpm with that typical BMW six sound. Gearbox change / feel XR6 - the change itself is smooth and has a short throw. BMW - is silky smooth but a longer throw As the AU is an overdrive 5th gear and the BMw is 1:1, the BMW feels like it has better roll on torque / acceleration Claimed and seen top speed XR6 - Unknown claimed but have seen 225km/h indicated BMW - Claimed 230km/h to 240km/h - can only say Tacho showed 5,200rpm with a 1:1 5th, 3.07 diff. Suspension and tyres / feel XR6 - standard suspension, yokohama v550 235/45/17 tyres. The AU has fairly nuetral handling but can be provoked into oversteer with the right pedal quite easily. BMW - Bilstein / Eibach shocks and springs in a sport mode, tyres are 16 x 8 fronts with 205/55/16 and 16 x 9 rears with 225/50/16’s all shod with Yokohama S-Drives. Though the staggered wheels / tyres may look nice it causes the car to have a tendency to understeer. Again this can be rectified with the right pedal. The BMW sits slightly lower than the XR6 compliments of it's smaller wheels and tyres and suspension. With a slightly lower centre of gravity it has a better feel (only just) than the XR6 through the long sweepers. Both vehicles are consummate long distance haulers with abilty to cover 1,500km in a day and arriving fresh and relaxed. Brakes XR6 - 286mm drilled and slotted discs with EBC Redstuff pads. BMW - 750iL front discs with 4 pot callipers, 635 rear discs with twin pot callipers Brake feel XR6 - has a high pedal feel with only gentle pressure needed with litttle or no fade. BMW - pedal feels softer but stops smoothly with no fade Interior look / feel XR6 - black cloth interior, can seem a bit gloomy but dash layout / lighting is excellent with ease of access to all controls. Easily carry 5 adults. BMW - cream leather interior, bright feel, all controls aimed toward driver. Interior lighting is poor. The dash uses an amber light and there is no interior lighting. Strictly a 4 seater, 2+2 (adults + small kids) Fuel tanks / mileage XR6 has a 68 litre tank, has covered 800+km from a tank from the 4 litre due to it's overdrive 5th. Around town 500+km easy. BMW has a 70 litre tank, has covered 800+km from a tank but is more comfortable at about 750km range. Around town is unknown at this stage. Overall thoughts. The XR6 is a bit of a sleeper. It does not draw any undue attention. Around town it is easily the equal of the BMW in handling and it's ability to get things done and is my choice for town driving. The BMW on the other hand stands out like canine testicles. It can draw unwanted attention. On a long distance trip it would be my choice but only just by a very close margin over the XR6. A picture of the XR6 ![]() One of the BMW ![]() Cheers and thanks for reading
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$DO || ! $DO : try try: command not found - (YODA the Geek) "WRC is for boys, Group B was for men" - Juha Kankkunen 4 times World Rally Champion Romanes Eunt Domus - 'people called Romanes they go the house' - You mean Romani Ite Domum [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Last edited by auIILTD; 07-01-2013 at 10:18 PM. Reason: swear filter avoidance - cleaned up |
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#2 | ||
RIP...
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,524
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Good read. I lusted after one of these when I was a kid, still do to a lesser degree.
I know exactly what you mean about BMW I6 acceleration too, our E36 328 coupe is modest down low, but just takes off at 5000rpm all the way to the limiter at 6500rpm. The engine is silky smooth, like a 600cc motorbike.
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. Oval Everywhere... |
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#3 | ||
5.6L x 2 pilot
![]() ![]() Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Canbra
Posts: 14,989
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Interesting read. Shame Aussie cars are 15 years behind.
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2002 AU II LTD 5.6L 342ci T3 Short, AFR165 heads, Comp XE270HR-12 Cam, Brembo 4/4s(355/330), T3 5 spokes, LC-1 wideband, Whiteline HD swaybars, TCE 3K Hi Stall, PWR Auto Trans Cooler, Koni shocks, King Low Springs, Hurricane headers, 100 cpsi cats, Twin 2.5" exhaust. Quarter Mile: 13.73 @ 105.86mph Runner Up NA/DA to BF Fairlane/LTD Geelong AFD 2024 ![]() 2002 XR8 pursuit 250 Custom twin 2.5" exhaust w Herrod modifed extractors, Tuned with Moates QH
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#4 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Topend of Oz since 1980
Posts: 5,299
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You may be right that the Aussie cars are behind but that doesn't mean that we are not getting better at what we do. I believe on a price point there are some models which are the equal of the Euros in certain areas, just not overall yet.
Cheers Vincenzo
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$DO || ! $DO : try try: command not found - (YODA the Geek) "WRC is for boys, Group B was for men" - Juha Kankkunen 4 times World Rally Champion Romanes Eunt Domus - 'people called Romanes they go the house' - You mean Romani Ite Domum [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] |
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#5 | ||
Walking with God
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 7,321
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Enjoyable read.
Cheers! GK
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2009 Mondeo Zetec TDCi - Moondust Silver 2015 Kia Sorento Platinum - Snow White Pearl 2001 Ducati Monster 900Sie - Red Now gone! 1999 AU1 Futura Wagon - Sparkling Burgundy On LPG Want a Full Life? John 10:10 |
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#6 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 3,568
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#7 | ||
Au Falcon = Mr Reliable
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: North West Slopes & Plains NSW
Posts: 4,076
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Thanks for the write up Vinny, much enjoyable. Ive always liked the bm's, they're all bloody good!
cheers, Maka
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Ford AU Series Magazine Scans Here - www.fordforums.com.au/photos/index.php?cat=2792 Proud owner of a optioned keeper S1 Tickford Falcon AU XR6 VCT - "it's actually a better-balanced car than the XR8, goes almost as hard and uses about two-thirds of the fuel" (Drive.com 2007) |
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#8 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Perth NoR
Posts: 5,970
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Always had a soft spot for the early 6 series, especially in black with gold BBS rims and JPS lettering on the sides.
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#9 | |||
RIP...
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,524
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. Oval Everywhere... |
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#10 | ||
^^^^^^^^
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: online - duh
Posts: 9,634
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It may have taken 15 years but the Aussie Falcon is just a variation of the mainstream everyman model being compared to a high-end Euro sports saloon.
I find it interesting how well it compares and how much more capable family cars become over time.
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#11 | ||||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Topend of Oz since 1980
Posts: 5,299
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Quote:
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Cheers Vincenzo
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$DO || ! $DO : try try: command not found - (YODA the Geek) "WRC is for boys, Group B was for men" - Juha Kankkunen 4 times World Rally Champion Romanes Eunt Domus - 'people called Romanes they go the house' - You mean Romani Ite Domum [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] |
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#12 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Perth NoR
Posts: 5,970
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Mmm thats the one Sox! Throws me back to Wanneroo raceway 1985 watching Jim Richards in the JPS BMW. My favourite racecars of all time JPS 635, JPS M3 & JPS Lotus 97T. I was an impressionable 6 year old LOL
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#13 | ||
Moderator
![]() ![]() Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Kenthurst
Posts: 40,394
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Now you need to compare it to a similar model VT/VX Commodore of the same era as the AU ... and see how good the AU REALLY was built to last. Can't say I have seen any decent VT/VXs nowadays.
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The Current Stable 2016 SZII TS Territory RWD Petrol The Evolution of the EGA54D utes AU Workshop Build thread of EGA54D B-Series Workshop Build thread of EGA54D 2004 SX TX Territory AWD - Gone but not forgotten 2010 FG XT "The ex-rental" - Moved onto a new home Mechan1k's Flickr Page |
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#14 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Salamander Bay
Posts: 5,427
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spot on, the AU has passed the test of time. there are plenty of good examples out there. even high K ones stack up well
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[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Everyone starts off with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the experience bag before the luck bag is empty. "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." Start a new career as a bus driver Rides: FG2 XR6 stock at this stage but a very nice ride xc 4 DOOR X CHASER 5.8 UNDER RESTO |
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#15 | ||
Moderator
![]() ![]() Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Kenthurst
Posts: 40,394
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In a way I really miss my old AU ... and it was definitely a more driver-orientated vehicle over the B-series .... and I think now with my FG .... it feels like Ford have returned back to the "driver-orientated" vehicle.
Still wouldn't mind an AU again as a toy down the track.
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The Current Stable 2016 SZII TS Territory RWD Petrol The Evolution of the EGA54D utes AU Workshop Build thread of EGA54D B-Series Workshop Build thread of EGA54D 2004 SX TX Territory AWD - Gone but not forgotten 2010 FG XT "The ex-rental" - Moved onto a new home Mechan1k's Flickr Page |
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#16 | |||
Next upgraded Mk1 Leopard
![]() Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sydney, in the burbs
Posts: 4,908
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Plastic Surgery 1 AUII Monsoon Blue How 2's: Change rear view mirror, Install backfire valve, Change foam front seats, Install auto transmission cooler, Replace Trans Shift Globe, Remove front door Trim, Paint AU headlights, install door spears, Premium Rear Parcel Shelf, go here...
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#17 | |||
RIP...
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,524
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. Oval Everywhere... |
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#18 | ||
Moderator
![]() ![]() Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Kenthurst
Posts: 40,394
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Hahahahaaha ..... now for more memes
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The Current Stable 2016 SZII TS Territory RWD Petrol The Evolution of the EGA54D utes AU Workshop Build thread of EGA54D B-Series Workshop Build thread of EGA54D 2004 SX TX Territory AWD - Gone but not forgotten 2010 FG XT "The ex-rental" - Moved onto a new home Mechan1k's Flickr Page |
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#19 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Melb north
Posts: 12,025
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Good read, even though the falcon xr6 is a spruced up family sedan, I reckon it is highly under rated, had mine for 8 years, and compared to many other cars the way it drives and the feel of the controls is almost second to none.
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