AU 3 vs BA

[Polyal]

Mechan1k thats fair enough..this is how I see it.

AU2/3>BA/BA2
BF/BF2>A series

Thats in terms of overall package.

Both AU1 and BA1 are as bad as each other...but even then the AU1 would be a more reliable car to own.

[robbyj]

I can understand the appeal of the B series, they do look nicer to look at. The AU does grow on you though.

Iv heard many people say the AU is mechanically better then the BA, less stuff goes wrong. However that's not to say the AU is perfect, and not saying every BA is a lemon.

The AU interior has a much nicer feel then the BA.

(My hate for modern cars these days is the built in headunit/dash all in one unit. Hate it. For that reason and that reason alone i will never buy a BA-BF. I perhaps could make an exception for an FG)

With a couple of mods (exhaust, CIA) the AU's are just as fast as the BA XR's. And Faster then the XT. From my experiences anyway.

It comes down to you in the end, test drive the cars, and make your own opinion.

Everyone here in the AU section will have a little bias towards the AU, and the B forums will have a bias towards the B series.

[glenz75]

Here's an update on this little adventure... I just took a scruffy '04 BA Futura with 115k on the clock for a spin and man what a difference to that BA Fairmont. drove heaps nicer and felt better all round, I did it just to compare two BA's against each other. But for pretty much the same money comapring a scruffy BA to the AU 3 with low kms and immaculate... I'd pick the AU.... I'm aware that most people in this sub-forum will of course be biased towards the AU which is totally understandable. But at this stage still looking, trying to decide..

[Polyal]

Find a nice Fairmont Ghia VCT...but the money you save into a decent SVI LPG system and your laughing.

You get a Tickford engine, IRS, all the gizmos and style.

[markxr6t]

I've had a BA XR6T, BF XR6t and BF egas wagon.

I've also had two AU XR8s and have one currently.

If I was buying a 6 cylinder, I'd get a BA.
If I was buying a V8, I'd get an AU.

I guess the BA is the superior overall, but AU steering is generally recognised as having superior feel and turn-in to BA-BF.

Dunno why -I just like AU V8s - perfect combo of old school muscle and new car refinement and handling. All the BA - BF V8s I've driven just don't do it for me and only start to be fun after 4000rpm and over the speed limit. The old girl Windsor is just nice.

[Beer Baron]

Ive driven a BA MKII XR6 and it felt nimble and i enjoyed it. I love the BA XR seats. Since doing the springs/dampers in my AUII it feels just as nimble and i don't like the AU seats.

I would happily own a BF MKII 3V Fairmont Ghia over any AU just for because they look so good except for maybe a T3 TE50.

[Auslandau]

Had an AU Ghia ...... sold it to 'upgrade' to the BA XR6 ..... after a week had enough of it ....... told the Mrs its now hers and bought myself another AU a few weeks later.

Mate still has the old AU and says it has been the best car he has had reliability and driving wise.

Drive both as they are very very different cars ..... the BA might look better to some but the AU is now holding their prices amazingly as the word gets out on how good they have been. As far as looks go ...... the AU Series 1 Forte/Futura is now a figment of everyones imagination and never happened!

[T3man]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

As far as looks go ...... the AU Series 1 Forte/Futura is now a figment of everyones imagination and never happened!

So true ... from Day 1 it was only ever a figment of the imagination of a group of journalists. Sad really how the vinegar from a few sour mouths spoiled the whole AU experience for many potential buyers who simply decided they couldn't own a car that someone else thought was ugly. Fickle public ... everyone wants to be "accepted" and not be seen as different to his peers.

As for me ... VIVA LE DIFFERONCE!

Nowadays the AU is widely accepted as one of the most advanced designs in modern motoring. If you buy a car on looks alone there is no reason today to choose a B-Series over an AU IMO. If you like driving, then the AU will suit you better 9 times out of 10. Not only is it better in balance and handling/ride but the interior ergonomics are just all spot-on in the AU. Much nicer place to spend your time over any distance. I think also the AU generally is cheaper to run and maintain. Pity that some parts are becoming hard to get now for the AU - that to me is the only negative of the "older" car.

[robbyj]

totally agree. The general consensus is because the AU looks bad it is bad. i dont even bother trying to argue the case to some no brainers anymore.

i have nothing against people that dont like them or fords, but the ones that go out of their way to say AU's are ****, based on looks really **** me.

[glenz75]

So am I led to believe that the AU 3 is better on petrol than the BA/BF series? I was told the BA/Bf's are 20% better on petrol...Mind you a dealer 'would' say that...typical... Is it because the AU has less electronic fuel managment electronics or is it because they are a lighter vehicle?

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by glenz75

So am I led to believe that the AU 3 is better on petrol than the BA/BF series? I was told the BA/Bf's are 20% better on petrol...Mind you a dealer 'would' say that...typical... Is it because the AU has less electronic fuel managment electronics or is it because they are a lighter vehicle?

Cant say exactly why but the difference between the 2 in the real world is so insignificant its not a reason to buy one over the other. My AU is a V8 and does about 50k's per tank on average less than the BA I6 ..... and I do not drive the AU with economy in mind. The BA I find, for what it is, a thirsty car.

[Polyal]

Weight mainly....if you want some inspiration have a look through the AU workshop section

[Auslandau]

.......... ask the same question in the BA section and i wonder if you would get the same response!

[Polyal]

IN saying that I reckon they would both be pretty close on the highway....but around town the AU in theory should be better. Stop starts are the worst, and weight is the biggest factor.

[robbyj]

My mates BA XR6 revs slightly higher on the highway then my AU. Weather that is because its an 'XR' or not i dont know (to do with the gearing maybe?) But if they rev slightly higher that will be one reason.

I just got 750kms out of my tank (unleaded 91) 70/30 highway/around town driving

[Polyal]

XR's have 3.45's IIRC

[TheInterceptor]

So, we had an AU2 wagon, cabin was nice, driving it was great, the gearbox was always in the right gear, engine was great, we had no major issues. The gbox packed it in at 240xxx cos apparently nobody serviced it. (bound to happen)

We now have a BF2. It feels souless, the gearbox loves sitting in 3rd untill you hit 70 which is stupid when im always in 60 zones (assuming its the same with a BA). Already has brake shudder and had an air con glitch and the engine light comes on randomly. Seats less comfy, bad use of space - We couldent fit all the stuff we had from the au in the bf. 190kw feels nice but is not worth it imo.

Give me an AU anyday.

[GT0132]

Problems I've had with my 2 B series cars

2004 (Aug) BA MK 1 183 Barra Classic, 4 Sp auto - Bought new and sol at 60,000 kms in January 2008

Broken bonnet release
Handbrake failure (3 times)
Front rotors warping
Boot leaking water through spoiler holes
Left rear door actuator
Rubbers coming off rear doors

2005 (Jan) BA Mk2 GT , 6 speed manual - Bought used January 2008 12,000 kms still have and now done 38,000 kms

None of the issues I had with the Mk1
Driveline clunk (common issue)
Diff Bushes
Rear control arm bush
Throttle Sensor

[megaphat]

I've owned both a AU1 and a BA (only recently)

Overall I prefer the BA, but the AU certainly had its advantages.
My AU was reasonably reliable but I did have lots of leaks and an alternator failure. The steering in the AU was lighter and the engine did seem to have power earlier. Fuel economy was about the same. Perhaps I'm weird, but I liked its appearance.

The BA does have lots more features (IRS, ABS etc) and is a much more refined drive. Also it handles a lot better around corners and is significantly faster in stock form. I much prefer the BA interior although I wish it had a seperate headunit.

[Bucknaked]

My AU3 was a great car. My only regret with the car was it was an XR6 and not an XR8. Car never let me down. I liked the look, although I riced it up a bit, but I enjoyed the car. A fantastic car to drive and comfortable

Originally Posted by Donny

I found the whole Starter Button thing to be nothin but total **** factor on my GT-P.. That was one thing I would have gladly done without.

My Mondeo has one and I'm worried oneday it will break and I'll be stranded, or worst still, my wife will. It's a gimmick. The novelty wears off quick. I'm with you. Would sooner it came with the standard way to start it. A key.

[ronwest]

Originally Posted by glenz75

I was told the BA/Bf's are 20% better on petrol...

The BF2 I had for the week was (I think) a little better on fuel.... certainly not 20%.
I must admit that I didn't take a lot of notice and fuel was on a fuel card so no out of pocket for me.

[Bobman]

I currently have an AUIII Futura with Tickford dual-fuel fitted.

Have had a BA Futura & XR6 in the past as well as an AU1 and AU2. I was driving the BA and AU2 for about a year together so got to know the differences very well as I'd drive each on alternate or same days.

AU: Takes more of a beating and is less fragile (mechanically and interior wise) than the BA. More economical than the BA and lighter.

BA: Nice to drive and smoother but it's a different experience with the drive-by-wire. I prefer the accelerator cable setup as on the AUs. Better looking car hands down with more comfortable seats and better driving position.

The AUIII Futura is a very nice car with a nice interior but best bet is to drive both and have a good look over them to decide.

[mercury39]

Originally Posted by glenz75

Hi, looking at buying a 2002 AU III Falcon Futura, done 107,000kms and appears to have been well looked after. Just wondering how similar these are to the early BA's as I prefer the BA's but this AU is a lot cheaper so curious to hear your thoughts on this one...
Cheers
Glenn

I can't add anything about the BA but bought one of the first AU's Nov 98, it's the Futura but ordered with a few factory fitted extras, IRS, Dual air bags, etc etc, it's only done 47000kms, ride is firm, but corners like it's on rails, handles like a rally car, will do 9.2 litres per 100 klm, better or as good as some of these 2 ltr 4 cyl cars, this is highway use and using the cruise control, beautiful car to drive, smooth and quiet, but a bit choppy ride on rough roads at low speed, as I said the suspension is very firm, maybe the IRS contributes to this, but on a real tight bumpy corner the IRS is great, you can feel one rear wheel drop into a rut but does not throw the rear off track as the oposite wheel naturally takes it's own course, no axle hop, only issues have been LHF auto window winder, easily fixed, bad contact on the switch, fix was suggested by this forum and greatfully carried out in a few minutes, other was continual flat batteries, first thought due to lack of use hence the low mileage/ kms, but it was discovered the boot light was not switching off, I have left the globe out, no more flat batteries, my other Falcon workhorse is my old faithful EA S/W.

[Bobman]

Originally Posted by mercury39

I can't add anything about the BA but bought one of the first AU's Nov 98, it's the Futura but ordered with a few factory fitted extras, IRS

Pretty rare ride there with a 1998 AU Futura complete with the IRS. Can't say I ever saw too many Forte/Futura models optioned up with that. Just 47k is amazing in 13 years.

One word I'd use for the AU is that they were a nimble car. The AU1 was quite light and slippery compared to previous and current Falcons.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Bucknaked

My AU3 was a great car. My only regret with the car was it was an XR6 and not an XR8. Car never let me down. I liked the look, although I riced it up a bit, but I enjoyed the car. A fantastic car to drive and comfortable



My Mondeo has one and I'm worried oneday it will break and I'll be stranded, or worst still, my wife will. It's a gimmick. The novelty wears off quick. I'm with you. Would sooner it came with the standard way to start it. A key.

It does. Well Focus does but its a PITA to do everytime you start.
For me AU wins hands down, B Series was the saviour for Ford but really in the performance models ie XR etc the AU is a much better drivers car IMO.
I hate the cheap feel of the interior of the B Series

[Zero_PSI]

Originally Posted by Antwon

BA IRS fails hard. also although i like the barra motors, compared to my ticky SOHC they feel like theyve got nothing down low.

You needa drive mine... I love the bottom end in it. Get a ba ute... Epic win

[oddnutz]

have drove every series of AU when i was driving taxis and my misses owns a ba i6. Also drove a series 3 AU XR6 VCT for a bit.

AU: better handling, suspension and power down low than the BA
S3 AU XR6 VCT: best ride quality in a falcon i have ever experienced..
BA: better looking inside and out and better mid - top end power.

[au11futura]

End Of The Day No Matter What Everyone Sais It's

All Up To You Personal Preference.......................

[mercury39]

[QUOTE=Bobman]Pretty rare ride there with a 1998 AU Futura complete with the IRS. Can't say I ever saw too many Forte/Futura models optioned up with that. Just 47k is amazing in 13 years.

I'd have to agree Bobman, I'm saving the Futura and still wearing out the old EA workhorse.