VT Commodore vs AU Falcon! Holden vs Ford! Which is Best? Aussie Sedan Battle 🇦🇺

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  • Опубліковано 7 сер 2024
  • Finally, I answer the question that was on everyone's lips. Which car from the MotoringBox fleet do I like best, VT Calais or AU Fairmont Ghia? Opinions will be split, but there can only be one winner.
    Timestamps:
    0:00 - Overview
    0:59 - Exterior Styling
    2:21 - Build Quality
    4:40 - Interior Styling
    6:57 - Interior Functionality
    9:04 - Best Engine
    10:13 - Best Gearbox
    11:16 - Best Cruiser
    12:35 - Best Thrasher
    13:37 - Value for Money
    14:37 - Motorsports
    15:37 - Internet Notoriety
    16:26 - Conclusion
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    🚘 About MotoringBox
    MotoringBox is an Australian based UA-cam channel run independently by Sean McKellar since 2019. It focuses on quality content about Australian car culture and some of the incredibly unique vehicles we manufactured here. I work a day job and publish videos in my spare time, so thank you for your patience and I hope you enjoy my videos.
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    Please note: I enjoy working on cars but I can't promise that what I do will work for your particular car, or that you won't harm yourself, someone else, your car, or your warranty doing it. Please be safe, be responsible and if you're not sure what you're doing, get a qualified mechanic to help you out.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1 тис.

  • @MotoringBoxTV
    @MotoringBoxTV  Рік тому +4

    Thanks for watching! Like, comment or sub to support the channel.
    👕Or grab a shirt from www.motoringbox.com/shop

    • @user-ds2ej3wn8p
      @user-ds2ej3wn8p 17 днів тому

      The first Commodore the VB was based on a German Opel as was the Holden VT, I saw 2 dead SA police officers once in Thebarton after a Chrysler Sigma side impacted their Holden VB, I prefer Ford Falcon over Holden, safer, and they had better motors. Also the Holden VB had an atrocious safety record, if you hit a stobie pole your car would be crushed quicker than a can of VB bitter!

  • @othersideguy16
    @othersideguy16 4 роки тому +149

    I love how the AU has become a meme and in a way has ascended from just the Aussie audience and is recognized by the Americans and even Europeans for the meme car legend it has become

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +11

      Truly a sign of greatness.

    • @ianmontgomery7213
      @ianmontgomery7213 4 роки тому +9

      @@MotoringBoxTV I have an AU Fairmont Wagon and can't find anything to replace it with as I don't like SUVs.

    • @gogogeedus
      @gogogeedus 4 роки тому +2

      Doesn't say much for Americans and Europeans, but I cant complain I made a small fortune out of fixing them.

    • @Jo_Wardy
      @Jo_Wardy 3 роки тому +1

      Vt is better Au is just been made a joke.

    • @othersideguy16
      @othersideguy16 3 роки тому +6

      @@Jo_Wardy I mean the AU specwise is actually superior to the VT

  • @Burn377
    @Burn377 4 роки тому +204

    I feel this would have made more sense if it was 6cyl vs 6cyl.

    • @NewstartGarageOZ
      @NewstartGarageOZ 4 роки тому +3

      Most definitely.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +35

      Yup, unfortunately I couldn't find the right car for a decent price. I wanted a supercharged one.

    • @gavinb9627
      @gavinb9627 4 роки тому +8

      @@MotoringBoxTV The used car market doesn't come with the full options list

    • @queenslandballistics2987
      @queenslandballistics2987 4 роки тому +5

      @@MotoringBoxTV Like a calais with a supercharged L67?

    • @Agent_Clark
      @Agent_Clark 4 роки тому +18

      Its not holdens fault ford sold an I6 to the same market.. You would just have the ford v8 losing to the ls1 and the holden six losing to the ford six.

  • @chrisbenton3365
    @chrisbenton3365 4 роки тому +55

    I was certain that this video was going to start some kind of flame war between the Ford and Holden tribes, but everyone commenting has been pretty polite. Maybe this was because you presented a truthful and balanced assessment.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +6

      I'll probably still be accused of bias, but I tried my best. They're both great, so in the end it comes down to small things.

    • @bluespig1
      @bluespig1 4 роки тому +5

      Only losers who don't own either model tend to make the stupid ignorant comments. Most who have some mechanical understanding and have actually owned one of these cars will be positive about them and truthful.

    • @ianmontgomery7213
      @ianmontgomery7213 4 роки тому +1

      The one thing I dislike in the Holden is the cruise control. In the Falcon you control it from the steering wheel once it is activated but in the Holden you have a stalk and have to take your hand off the wheel.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +2

      @@ianmontgomery7213 the stalk is very fiddly too, the way they've crammed three buttons onto the end of it.

  • @mjccarpentrymjccarpentry5145
    @mjccarpentrymjccarpentry5145 4 роки тому +68

    Have to say, I used to think I was a Holden man if I had to choose. Grew up with Mitsubishis and Mazda's but when asked to decide Holden or Ford I'd always say Holden. I've owned a VZ and driven VTs. Thought they were tops. But then through necessity I bought a falcon ute. And everything you described was the case, chassis felt stiffer, steering quicker with better feel, an air of better build quality (despite the Commodore's better plastics) a sublime straight six over the v6. More intuitive cruise control, I could go on. And the Falcon's looks even grew on me. These days I drive a BF ute and SY Territory and love them both. Aussie cars rock but I've pitched my tents further north of Hadrian's wall and am now in the Aussie Ford camp.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +3

      Thanks for the comment mate, it was a good read. The cruise control is a really good point, the AU's is fantastic.

    • @mjccarpentrymjccarpentry5145
      @mjccarpentrymjccarpentry5145 4 роки тому

      @@MotoringBoxTV Love your videos mate, they scratch an itch that nothing else does. Keep up the good work. :-)

    • @noelgibson5956
      @noelgibson5956 4 роки тому

      I had a TE Cortina and an XE Falcon. They were both a piece of crap.
      Poor dust sealing, excessive fan noise and a stalling problem in the TE, and excessive rust, snapping clutch cables, and an oil light switch that failed a hundred km on the other side of nowhere in the XE. I often hired a newish car if i was going on a long trip as i no longer trusted them.
      I now drive a 2012 Corolla sedan, and other than with regular servicing, its never been off the road. Oh what a feeling......Toyota!

    • @Flying_GC
      @Flying_GC 4 роки тому +3

      @@noelgibson5956 you're basing newer vehicle's off 70s and 80s era vehicle's? Makes sense.

    • @noelgibson5956
      @noelgibson5956 4 роки тому

      @@Flying_GC
      Fair point, but the later EA Falcon and the early Territory's were also riddled with issues.
      The car should serve you, not the other way around...... particularly if you're doing everything you should be doing regarding maintenance and responsible ownership.

  • @lachieplays8002
    @lachieplays8002 4 роки тому +58

    i may have made up 1 mill of the searches

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +10

      I may have also been responsible for many of the results.

  • @australiantruckspotting8883
    @australiantruckspotting8883 2 роки тому +8

    Both great cars. One thing to note is that as far back as anyone can remember, there’s always been three or four Falcon taxis for every one Holden. That tells you everything you need to know about long term reliability.

  • @NewstartGarageOZ
    @NewstartGarageOZ 4 роки тому +63

    I've had my AU for sixteen years
    On the other hand my good friend who's a Holden nut has gone through three Commodores.
    He does way less kilometres than me but he's had two cars develop catastrophic engine issues and his current Commodore has an electrical problem and all three have required ignition switch replacement.
    I've had to replace the rotors on the AU because they warped

    • @doug-core8850
      @doug-core8850 4 роки тому +1

      Rotors are service items so I'd hope you replaced them along with some of the fluids and other consumable parts.

    • @NewstartGarageOZ
      @NewstartGarageOZ 4 роки тому +1

      @@doug-core8850 . Certainly did but they weren't worn out they warped due to shit metal.
      Replaced them with DBA slotted and cross drilled items.
      Which improved the braking because it's a series one which don't have the best brakes out of the factory.
      Rear ones are almost worn to minimal specification now and will require replacement again

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +2

      Warping was a common issue on Series 1's. I think Ford up-sized them for Series 2 onwards.

    • @doug-core8850
      @doug-core8850 4 роки тому +3

      @@MotoringBoxTV speaking as a bit of a semi professional metalurgist and professional heat treatment specialist, ford cheaped out with rotors.
      They weren't thick enough and couldn't dissipate heat fast enough.
      And when these thin rotors get worn down enough, they'll move around like all buggery.
      They increased the weight of the cars but didn't increase the braking efficiency.
      The introduction of minimum rotor thickness and thicker sized solid pieces is a quick fix.
      Its funny reading about how long it took ford to engineer a fix as it shows they didn't have anyone that knew much about cast iron metallurgy. Its very niche.
      But what we saw all the way up to the very end was ford being too cheap to make big well designed brakes as standard across the board. Even their highest performance rotors are quite frankly, dogshit.
      They probably just copied high performance manufacturers and did a cheap version.
      Cause they didn't give these brakes a proper stress relief cycle after full machining.
      All these drilled holes crack once the cast iron heats and cools, which means they're relieving stresses on their own.
      Sorry for the long rant but it just annoys me how cheap companies are with brakes.

    • @NewstartGarageOZ
      @NewstartGarageOZ 4 роки тому

      @@MotoringBoxTV . I heard it was still an issue with the BA.
      It's not the size of the rotor it was the quality of the metal.
      The DBA rotors are the exact same size but are superior quality metal.

  • @histriamagna1014
    @histriamagna1014 4 роки тому +23

    Hello from Slovenia. From my point of view both look good given the age. The only thing I dont like about Ford are those sad eyes/headlights. Both represent the design postulates of that era.

  • @jaywon555
    @jaywon555 4 роки тому +72

    AU's were built like panzar tanks, how many of these clocked up well over 500,000 and more as taxis and were still in service is something to be commended.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +5

      Saw an AU ex-taxi advertised with over 800k on it a few months back... would have been an interesting one to look at.

    • @gogogeedus
      @gogogeedus 4 роки тому +1

      @@MotoringBoxTV when they first came out I saw one towing a caravan trying to go up a hill, it had a blown head gasket and was blowing steam like a steam train, it was running on three or four cylinders, but on the other hand I knew people that owned them and never had any problems.

    • @kennethhanes5438
      @kennethhanes5438 3 роки тому

      Plenty close back to 0000000 as well haha

    • @mickfitchettchristine115
      @mickfitchettchristine115 3 роки тому +2

      I drive a AU that has 571,000 kms on the clock and still runs perfectly.

    • @spinmyhead1667
      @spinmyhead1667 3 роки тому +2

      Many clocked over a million.They go through the transmissions every 300k but the engines last forever,bulletproof.

  • @riggle300
    @riggle300 4 роки тому +61

    Gotta say they're both legendary cars, but I'll always like the AU just that little bit more. Great video once again :)

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      Thanks for watching!

    • @jetson2075
      @jetson2075 3 роки тому +1

      I found I do hit my head getting in and out of the AU more than the VT. That goes for front and back. But I do love my fords after owning numerous holden v8's. Never owned a v6, test drove a few but there noisy harsh characteristics made me buy a v8. Then I discovered fords magical inline and auto gear box. Had those for a few years. But now proud owner of a s/c ba gt and a g220 fairlane.

  • @MotoringBoxTV
    @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +60

    Timestamps:
    0:18 - Overview
    0:59 - Exterior Styling
    2:21 - Build Quality
    4:40 - Interior Styling
    6:57 - Interior Functionality
    9:04 - Best Engine
    10:13 - Best Gearbox
    11:16 - Best Cruiser
    12:35 - Best Thrasher
    13:37 - Value for Money
    14:37 - Motorsports
    15:37 - Internet Notoriety
    16:26 - Conclusion

    • @Kirk-dw5ok
      @Kirk-dw5ok 4 роки тому +1

      Just curious to know if you’d be interested in reviewing a 2002 CV8 Monaro manual all original except for exhaust and Mafless tune and perfect paint and also a 1971 HQ Monaro LS 253 Manual 4 speed 2 door

    • @gacattack1234
      @gacattack1234 4 роки тому +1

      In my opinion Holden seemed to go the extra mile with sleaker styling especially from the 70s, when they both became homegrown designs. Kingswood to Commodores styling was more polished than Falcon to me and the Falcon always felt a bit bulbous and and their revisions were often half baked because of cost cutting and attempting to put a corporate face on a local design that was too far removed from Ford internationally. Because of this and overall reliability and cost of repairs especially in their more complicated suspension of these and latter models, I couldn't make myself buy a Falcon despite it being better in other departments.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      @Kirk170153 maybe, depending where you're based.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +1

      @Ebo Chi I do love the Kingswoods.

    • @Pvndawastaken
      @Pvndawastaken 4 роки тому

      Would you be interested in an AU Fairlane for review?

  • @morri03
    @morri03 4 роки тому +15

    Outstanding job mate. I’m not really a Ford or Holden guy and I would have picked the Holden back in the day but think the Falcon is more interesting now

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +1

      Yup, sounds about right to me as well. Aged pretty decently.

  • @SombreroKnight
    @SombreroKnight 4 роки тому +41

    As a Ford guy, I'm going to have to go with the AU but the VT is a great car and had its advantages. I like both as they each have there own unique quirks and features. Great video mate keep it coming.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +3

      Totally agree, both should be celebrated.

    • @djbello8ball
      @djbello8ball 4 роки тому +1

      I have a VX Series 2 which improved on the VT quite alot. I think you nailed the comparison. I found parts availability and price for the VT/VX are plentiful and think that should be a part of your list considering they are old classics. But i guess there is less that breaks on an AU as it is more of a civilised car. I have had 2 Ford Falcons with the EL and EF, i felt the AU was a massive step above, but after i test drove the VX Series 2 i was won over. And how easy they are to modify made it a journey for me. I went to a driving day and drove against an AU falcon and you can see the difference ua-cam.com/video/rFTKnWtbA2M/v-deo.html and the sound of the LS1 is pretty brings me back to the V8's at bathurst during the golden years of ford and holden ua-cam.com/video/_BbKfFMiz0w/v-deo.html . I will eventually get another falcon but not decided in an AU or BA.

    • @donotwantahandle1111
      @donotwantahandle1111 3 роки тому

      I have test driven a v8 vt and a 6 cyl au manual wagon. Both great cars.

  • @queenslandballistics2987
    @queenslandballistics2987 4 роки тому +59

    The AU should definitely have won in the interior styling department because of the mobile office! 💻📟📠💾📲💻

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +9

      For innovative accessories the Ford definitely get top marks. But I do like the feel of sitting in the VT better.

    • @gavinb9627
      @gavinb9627 4 роки тому +1

      @@MotoringBoxTV So how did you find getting into and out of the AU? Does not having the steering wheel right in front of you bother you at all?

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +1

      @@gavinb9627 I've never had any problems with access, I've heard people saying it's easy to bang your head but I don't really understand how? Maybe they were comparing the AU to boxy cars from the 90s. I've not had any issues with the wheel - if it is off centre it mustn't be by much.

    • @gavinb9627
      @gavinb9627 4 роки тому

      @@MotoringBoxTV I was always banging my head, e series weren't a problem at all but the ba was better than the Au but way behind the e series. the joys of us all being different shapes and sizes

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +1

      @@gavinb9627 That's strange, because the BA roofline and doors are identical to the AU - no changes!

  • @MeatballGarage
    @MeatballGarage 4 роки тому +12

    Sean - another cracking vid mate - very enjoyable! Bang on about the AU being the more 'Memeable' - it has defiantly become a legend online in recent years! Also, surely you need to mention the rear styling of the early CLS Mercs (which many consider very sexy) was either inspired by, or stolen from the AU lol!

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +2

      I think the CLS looks a lot better from the back, plenty of inspiration from the AU though of course. Whether it was intentional or not!

  • @Terraceview
    @Terraceview 4 роки тому +6

    I've owned many Falcons and Commodores and what stood out to me is that with the Falcon is the I6 engine is formidable but let down by the transmission and the rough interior. The Commodores always felt faster, lighter but more "tinny" and had the better V8 option. Both great cars and we need them back.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      Sounds about right. I think Ford were really gunning for fuel economy with the auto gearing. It does cruise very well.

  • @LukeLappage95
    @LukeLappage95 4 роки тому +9

    Both are winners, both are legends. Ive only owned a au forte wagon and just got a au fairlane ghia last week, but really want to find a clean Vt one day too.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      Nice little collection you're building there.

  • @altego6361
    @altego6361 4 роки тому +5

    I loved my AU right up until I lost compression in 3 cylinders. Mine was lowered and It always felt tighter and more agile then my ex partners VX Calais through the Twisties. It was dual fuel and 5 times a year I would fill both tanks, hit the highway and drive 1000 kilometers to Bathurst without needing to stop once. Such a great cruiser!

  • @paulsemerdjian334
    @paulsemerdjian334 4 роки тому +12

    I personally have owned both cars
    And both have great quality , but l must admit the vt is a really good looking car but I found that the au is my favorite as I now have 3 of them, they are so reliable and are well built, the overall drivability of the au has a no nonsense feel about it.
    And I depend on their reliability, and after 15 years of driving au fords , I have nothing but praise for them both v8's and the 6's

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      Thanks for the comment mate - always great to hear the opinions of others based on their own personal experiences.

  • @project_calais4977
    @project_calais4977 4 роки тому +24

    Even as a Holden fan I have to agree with the AU's win. The AU is just a more dependable car and it's quirks really have made it into the legend it is. A great video as always mate! Love the content and how in-depth you get. Stay safe. Look forward to the next video.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +4

      Nice to see some more mutual appreciation going on, Australia needs more of it! Thanks for the comment.

    • @khylerin70
      @khylerin70 11 місяців тому

      Their longevity has now revealed itself. We were very fortunate to have a home industry that provided us with these.

  • @davidsims6967
    @davidsims6967 4 роки тому +8

    Hell yes he's back, just after I plugged in my new TV and grabbed the spare recliner out of our storage shed. Please no more snapping VT fuel filler flaps the last one nearly made me cry. 😅

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +2

      Had to be done for historical documentation, I don't like hurting cars though :)

  • @nameundetected6867
    @nameundetected6867 4 роки тому +7

    I have owned many of them both over the years, totally agree with what you say. The VT looks way better but they have heaps more body flex, and the doors feel like they don’t line up properly.
    My AU ute was a “genuine one owner” with service history & recipes, I drove it to 550 thou kms on the original motor, complete respect to the mighty AU

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      Still a fairly solid car, but you're right. The AU feels like a bit of a tank in comparison.

  • @lawrencemercieca
    @lawrencemercieca 4 роки тому +20

    I mean, you can either pick a VT because they’re pretty good value, reliable, still good looking...or.....the ugliest car in human history, I wouldve been straight to the Ford dealership to be apart of history back in the day

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +3

      Plenty of uglier cars, even Australian ones. The XF springs to mind.

    • @ket_wav1013
      @ket_wav1013 4 роки тому +3

      Only the s1 Forte is ugly....The rest of the range looks fine, and is actually a much better car than the VT.

    • @TheTeeroy32
      @TheTeeroy32 4 роки тому

      Pontiac Aztec says " Am I a Joke to you?"

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +1

      @@TheTeeroy32 it's actually a shame we didn't get those here. I really wanted one after watching Breaking Bad. I guess we always have the SsangYong Rodius.

    • @spinmyhead1667
      @spinmyhead1667 3 роки тому +1

      This is rubbish.A few journos made these comments at the time and I’m pretty sure the myth grew from there.Absolutely zero aesthetically wrong with the AU.

  • @klasseact6663
    @klasseact6663 4 роки тому +2

    A very fair and solid review, really enjoyed watching this👍👍

  • @arokh72
    @arokh72 4 роки тому +28

    I believe the AU fuel filler was designed more 'naked' to accommodate the LPG filling port in factory dual fuel models, or LPG only, not sure if they had LPG only AUs.

    • @chrisbenton3365
      @chrisbenton3365 4 роки тому +5

      Plus with this design you dont end up covering the rear quarter panel with petrol stains.

    • @NewstartGarageOZ
      @NewstartGarageOZ 4 роки тому +12

      @@chrisbenton3365 . Yeah, personally I couldn't give a shit what it looks like inside of the fuel filler flap.
      You only see it a little while anyway but Holden had to make the inside look better because they knew that they were going to fall off

    • @MrSexyPsycho
      @MrSexyPsycho 4 роки тому +1

      @@NewstartGarageOZ Haha spot on

    • @gregmyatt9932
      @gregmyatt9932 4 роки тому +2

      arokh72 yes they did. They had green tops back then. Mostly in the taxi pack.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +3

      Oh, makes sense then. Plenty of space in there for the LPG port.

  • @barraswap3478
    @barraswap3478 4 роки тому +6

    Love ur videos mate keep up the good work

  • @matthewsmith3902
    @matthewsmith3902 Рік тому

    Very well done video, as per usual mate. Your style continues to encourage engagement and enjoyment. Very well done comparison and filmography.

  • @YOURHOTMUSIC
    @YOURHOTMUSIC 4 роки тому +18

    The vt back seats don't fold down like the au which is required to haul long items from the hardware .
    The au is cheaper to buy and also cheaper for parts that lasts longer
    There was a reason nearly all taxis were fords -reliability

    • @MrSexyPsycho
      @MrSexyPsycho 4 роки тому +1

      lol the middle parts does at least , you trying to haul the whole shelf back home ?

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +1

      The rear seat surprised me, when I bought the car I had no idea they were fixed. Seems kind of strange to me.

  • @clikz1945
    @clikz1945 4 роки тому +6

    As someone who has been brought up in a family with two 2005 falcon xt's (the station wagons) the fairmont just looks a little funky. I love everything else about it. Still going to stick with the wagons though because the practcality is unbeatable.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +1

      I do love the wagons. I may get one on the channel one day, just need to decide which make and model I go for...

  • @chrisnewton2325
    @chrisnewton2325 4 роки тому +7

    I'll be honest here I had one of the nicest au falcons with a full C2R body kit and a full respray on Oxford green and I miss it dearly. I now have a FG falcon and I love it to bits but it just didn't feel like my au did, simple but efficient.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      The C2R kits look good, but do you know if they were they plastic or fibreglass?

  • @rickman2267
    @rickman2267 4 роки тому

    Great vid mate. Just got my au forte back on the road after 6 months sitting in the front yard. Youve given me insperation to keep going with it. And no more riding my motorcycle at night in winter to work. Cheers, Don, Sturt , South Australia.

  • @AlexYihm
    @AlexYihm 4 роки тому +1

    Really, really enjoyed this review! Much better than some of the professional reviews I've seen, and I always seem to get through the full duration of your videos with ease. Never really appreciated the VT or AU before, but this video gave me a lot of insight and appreciation for them - Keep up the incredible work!

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      Thanks mate. I know my videos are long, so thanks for sticking with them.

  • @andrewsmactips
    @andrewsmactips 4 роки тому +26

    Something to ponder: The word Falcon is way more popularly used than the word Commodore, quite apart from the cars they're attached to. That may sway the Google numbers. Otherwise - spot on. ;)

    • @dalechenoweth915
      @dalechenoweth915 4 роки тому +5

      Also AU is the chemical symbol for gold and an abbreviation for Australia.

    • @everyhandletaken
      @everyhandletaken 4 роки тому +1

      Yep, that category was a token win for the AU lol

    • @chief8886
      @chief8886 4 роки тому

      I said the same and he says you can filter out results in google by adding quotes around it

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +5

      Yup, searching using quote marks "AU Falcon" can filter out all the other results, still wins though.

    • @everyhandletaken
      @everyhandletaken 4 роки тому

      MotoringBox the childhood Holden fanboy in me refuses to accept this ☺️

  • @gregmyatt9932
    @gregmyatt9932 4 роки тому +8

    You see way more AU s on the road these days than the VT commodore. Even though the VT had huge sale success over the AU at the time. The AU is Just a better quality car all round in my book. I worked at both dealerships when these cars were new. Even looking underneath the AU you will find allot of cast alloy part, suspension, sub frames etc compared to the VT with its steel stamped welded parts. The VT would have been cheaper to build than the AU on these grounds.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +1

      I do see more AUs on the road these days. But the number is definitely dropping on both!

  • @olivertabone6788
    @olivertabone6788 4 роки тому

    Even though the videos take a long time to come out, you put lots of quality time into them. Keep it up!

  • @DD3512B0Y
    @DD3512B0Y 4 роки тому

    Top quality production quality in your video as usual mate, awesome work. Thanks for making it

  • @4812megan
    @4812megan 2 роки тому +3

    I love my AU, I am onto my second one. They cannot be beaten doing the long highway stretches I do living in the country. First one: 465 000 km and still going as a paddock basher. Second: currently 340 000 km and still driving beautifully up and down the highway.
    I couldn't stand the Commodore on the highway and were 40% more expensive than the AU.
    AU for me all day.

  • @johnphaceas7434
    @johnphaceas7434 4 роки тому +7

    The seat trims in that Calais look like a Fat Pizza tracksuit.

  • @grantfurlong2116
    @grantfurlong2116 4 роки тому +2

    Another great video mate! My AUII XLS 4.0 5 speed ute which I've had since new is still running strong at 260000km. It's had a few minor upgrades along the way and still drives like a dream especially on the open road. Nothing major has gone wrong with it, just normal wear and tear stuff and serviced every 10000 kays.
    The AU was easily the most reliable Falcon Ford Australia ever made, I'm on a mission now to hang onto it for another 10 years so I can get NSW historic rego!

  • @chrisnewton2325
    @chrisnewton2325 4 роки тому

    Another great video, well done my friend keep up the good work 👌

  • @beaujenkins2739
    @beaujenkins2739 4 роки тому +16

    The au is a legend. I’ve owned many sedans and wagons and they’ve all given me trouble free driving. The commodores I’ve had however didn’t even get close.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      Both are great if looked after in my opinion, but yes the AU is a solid thing.

  • @schmoosmith
    @schmoosmith 4 роки тому +6

    I’m definitely buying a VT Commodore when I move to Australia. Or a AU Falcon.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +4

      Aye, onya mate. They should come standard with every visa.

    • @schmoosmith
      @schmoosmith 4 роки тому

      @@MotoringBoxTV That would be awesome dude! When I get there I'll pay you a visit!

    • @alexs3187
      @alexs3187 2 роки тому

      Get the Falcon, it’s way more robust. Plus the I-6 and 302 are very easy to get performance parts for. The only good thing about the VT was the available LS1.

  • @MrWilliam.Stewart
    @MrWilliam.Stewart 4 роки тому

    You little ripper, what an awesome video. Cheers Mr Box.
    Outstanding cinematography by the way.

  • @vinnyd91
    @vinnyd91 4 роки тому

    Awesome video, loved the review! When I was at uni I had a VX Berlina with the 3.8L V6 which was virtually identical to your VT Calais, so that car will always hold a spot in my heart. Looking forward to seeing what's coming up next on your channel!

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      Thanks mate! I drove my parents VP Exec back in my uni days so I share a similar sentiment.

  • @CipherVR
    @CipherVR 4 роки тому +6

    I was waiting for labor difficulty, doing anything on the sohc straight 6 easy as, help my mate with some help on his v6 commodore, just a small gasket change, felt like lighting the thing on fire for him to get the insurance money.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +1

      Lots of space around an Intech for sure. The LS is really crammed in there, so that's a good point.

  • @barje.waffles5461
    @barje.waffles5461 4 роки тому

    Great work champ. Just keep getting better!

  • @MrColourclassic
    @MrColourclassic 4 роки тому +9

    Time for you to get a BF XR6 Turbo - Addresses all the shortfalls of the AU and builds upon its strengths.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +3

      Not gonna lie, I'd love one mate.

    • @sch-corp
      @sch-corp 4 роки тому +1

      Had one for a few years. Brilliant car especially with the ZF 6 speed. But it was such a guzzler. Whoever has it now would be enjoying the sub-$1.00 petrol prices though!

    • @TheTeeroy32
      @TheTeeroy32 4 роки тому

      BF ahead in every way except IRS lol

  • @GTFORDMAN
    @GTFORDMAN 4 роки тому +17

    i owned an EL and it outlasted about 3 mates commodores and now i own an AU and it has out lasted the entire Holden company lol

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +2

      Haha, touche.

    • @vandecayear10
      @vandecayear10 4 роки тому +3

      You know the falcon has gone the same way as the commodore, right?

    • @Flying_GC
      @Flying_GC 4 роки тому +2

      @@vandecayear10 hes referring to Ford are still here, Holden isn't.

    • @vandecayear10
      @vandecayear10 4 роки тому

      @@Flying_GC yeah but the only good ones are from the US. Not much of a win

    • @nathanhansford76
      @nathanhansford76 2 місяці тому

      His AU still outlived the name Holden. True statement.

  • @13overton
    @13overton 4 роки тому

    Great video and great cars too. Can't help feeling this was a foregone conclusion though. Viewers already knew how much you loved the AU!

  • @Car_dna
    @Car_dna 4 роки тому

    Great video, as always. I’d have to agree with the verdict. I inherited an XG Falcon Ute a few years back that had been sitting in a shed for a decade. Completely original, had to do some work on the engine but now use it almost daily, very smooth to drive and I’m constantly surprised with how reliable and enjoyable it is. Thanks for appreciating these soon to be classic Australian motor vehicles.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      Nice, you don't see XG's around that often anymore - wishing you many years of happy motoring.

  • @Gameguy-nx4kd
    @Gameguy-nx4kd 4 роки тому +3

    Even though the au was basically a failure I feel like it was still the most iconic falcon made

    • @Jsfletch02
      @Jsfletch02 Рік тому

      The only failure on the AU is the looks

  • @andrewg2618
    @andrewg2618 4 роки тому +3

    I think you gave a pretty fair review. Well done! I'm a Ford man but I have come to appreciate Holden over the years. I do think the AU was ahead of its time styling wise. I have a 99 Black AU XR8 with full Tickford bodykit and non car friends are shocked when I tell them it's 21 years old. They think it is way more modern.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +1

      Ahead of it's time, but at the same time they didn't get everything right with it. Still, looks pretty decent today from some angles.

  • @TheMcKay117
    @TheMcKay117 4 роки тому

    Another fantastic video man, keep it up!

  • @jasonhorvath4272
    @jasonhorvath4272 3 роки тому

    Good review 👍

  • @linussextips2328
    @linussextips2328 4 роки тому +12

    My mom had a gen 1 au forte for 7 years and never serviced it once, she bought it used for 600$ those cars are invincible

    • @MangoVisionn
      @MangoVisionn 4 роки тому +6

      Powerful Ranger mate that’s dismal, you could have changed the oil for her!

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      The oil is cheap considering the benefits it brings about. Still, impressive effort despite the neglect.

  • @deanstyles2567
    @deanstyles2567 4 роки тому +4

    Yeah I think the AU's styling has aged reasonably well, except maybe the S1 Forte.
    What about fuel economy? I'm assuming the Falcon would win there?

    • @llaughton69
      @llaughton69 4 роки тому +1

      I'm not sure about the VT, but the AU fairmont I own with the Tickford 6Cyl gets about 750km to a tank of hwy driving with the cruise control on.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +1

      The Falcon wins in economy obviously. At the moment it's something like 10.9 vs 12.3L/100km.

    • @burnoutsandshenanigans7893
      @burnoutsandshenanigans7893 4 роки тому

      I recently drove from adelaide to lexton vic 670 kays , 50 to fill the tank got there with exactly half a tank vt 6 or 8 wouldnt have a chance

    • @deanstyles2567
      @deanstyles2567 4 роки тому

      Not too bad. I wish I was able to get that sort of economy from my old EF 6cyl back in the day, normal driving was about 13L/100km, 2000rpm at 100km/h didn't help.
      Weren't the 6cyl Commodores fairly fuel efficient?

    • @nickycrea6075
      @nickycrea6075 4 роки тому

      @@deanstyles2567 VT V6s could easily do 9L/100km. I drove from melb to sydney on one tank.

  • @deepestdub
    @deepestdub 4 роки тому

    Another high quality video. Loving your work.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      Thanks a lot John, glad you liked it mate.

  • @bonkasvx3158
    @bonkasvx3158 4 роки тому

    Love watching your vids man great work

  • @LukeIsGod
    @LukeIsGod 4 роки тому +6

    You can't spell beautiful without AU

  • @aaronbensi9723
    @aaronbensi9723 4 роки тому +4

    You can’t compare an Ls1 to a six...
    take a ecotec V6 for a spin the ford wins hands down...

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      Well I can say which one I like best, so...

    • @braydenhunt2090
      @braydenhunt2090 3 роки тому

      Can say that v6 ecotecs are absolutely brilliant, can achieve over 450,000ks and can still keep up.

    • @jetson2075
      @jetson2075 3 роки тому

      @@braydenhunt2090 Pity they sound like a chainsaw

    • @braydenhunt2090
      @braydenhunt2090 3 роки тому

      @@jetson2075 oh they aren't that bad if they are properly modified, same goes for all cars i guess.

    • @jetson2075
      @jetson2075 3 роки тому

      The reviewer slightly favoured fords inline over the ls1. So I would imagine he would favour it even more over Holden's harsh, noisy v6.

  • @leeperkins84
    @leeperkins84 4 роки тому

    Awesome work mate, fair call with the judging, love the VT, best colour as well!

  • @scottsnet
    @scottsnet 4 роки тому

    Thanks for the awesome video! The quality of some of these car reviews are so professional these days, I don't know how you do it.I loved the AU, I had a ute for 10 years, which barely missed a beat. Love the VT too, but the Holdens were always out of my budget.

  • @TheRealMrCods
    @TheRealMrCods 4 роки тому +3

    I dont really like either lol. Strangely I like the EB Series 2 Falcon and the VE Series 2 Commodore best. I may be the only one. 👌

    • @orangejuicepony6881
      @orangejuicepony6881 4 роки тому

      My first Falcon was an ED, my first Commodore was a VF2 LS3

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +3

      I do have a soft spot for the early E-Series Falcons!

    • @WilDBeestMF
      @WilDBeestMF 3 місяці тому

      EA turbo anyone?

  • @ricknel76nelson54
    @ricknel76nelson54 4 роки тому +4

    Either you love the AU, or you are wrong!🤣🤣

  • @kahuwynyard4408
    @kahuwynyard4408 3 роки тому

    Awesome vid. Oh the nostalgia!

  • @benp4339
    @benp4339 4 роки тому

    Great detail and production quality. Thank you

  • @xodaru
    @xodaru 4 роки тому +4

    Not a fan of either but my thoughts on this growing up in that era are all based the looks. At the time I feel that the VT was by far the better looking car with the AU looking like an aborted mess. However when it comes to aging, i feel the AU looks a lot better these days where as the VT to me looks and feels extremely dated. I'm also getting generic bogan vibes looking at the VT which might be impacting my feels :)

    • @andrewg2618
      @andrewg2618 4 роки тому +3

      Agreed. I have a black '99 AU XR8. My friends that don't know about cars are shocked when I tell them it's 21 years old. It was way ahead of its time, not to mention it's bullet broof.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +2

      From certain angles the AU looks amazing. Like at 18:11 for example. Probably my favourite shot of the car, ever.

  • @JamesLivas
    @JamesLivas 4 роки тому

    Beautiful work as always, mate!

  • @Sounds_about_right
    @Sounds_about_right 4 роки тому

    You're an absolute legend mate, great video as always

  • @haydenyoung6588
    @haydenyoung6588 4 роки тому

    Love your videos man keep them up!

  • @Jay-pf2en
    @Jay-pf2en 4 роки тому

    Another great video. I owned an AUII forte from new, and eventually stuck an XR front and body kit on it because I thought it looked like a pig. With the XR kit it was a smart looking machine and I miss it! Everything you said in the review was spot on,

  • @herniagaming
    @herniagaming 2 місяці тому

    I love how futuristic and unique both of these cars looked in this era

  • @jessegibbons9900
    @jessegibbons9900 4 роки тому

    Great content as always. The most search results was a little silly though.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      I thought it was a unique way to bring it to a conclusion - I was leaning towards the AU anyway so it got me there.

  • @mattiVX
    @mattiVX 4 роки тому +2

    I do love how enamoured you are with that office table!

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +1

      To be honest I feel very privileged to own it.

  • @sourwords1808
    @sourwords1808 4 роки тому

    One man show! Better then those who have bigger and better budgets. Mate, for sure you're going places. Enjoyed every minute of it as usual. Thanks!

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      Glad you enjoyed! My budget is shit haha.

  • @raphaelsolopitias6303
    @raphaelsolopitias6303 4 роки тому

    Yet another awsome production 😫😫🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

  • @cootason
    @cootason 4 роки тому

    Really good video mate, I am actually looking at buying my first car so comparing notes between one of those AU Fords with low KM, or a Camry thats a bit newer. mainly for highway trips and local shop runs based on the info about the engine it looks like that AU is the one to go for, plenty of grunt when you need to overtake. I was going to do an aftermarket stereo in mine when I get one but thats about it.

  • @danielboyle5157
    @danielboyle5157 4 роки тому

    Another brilliant film. Great work MB.

  • @leoesposito8762
    @leoesposito8762 4 роки тому

    Good review mate 👍 loved it.. my dad is got a AU3 Fairmount your right it is a fantastic cruiser...

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      I saw a really clean S3 in traffic the other day, your Dad's a lucky guy.

  • @steveans
    @steveans 4 роки тому

    Just found this channel. Aussie car guy. Really good job mate. When you said the Commodore was better than the Falcon thought you were wrong. Then I found out that the Commodore had an LS. Oh boy even after seven late model Mustangs (2015 on) the LS is my favourite engine. but overall your review was really good. Great work mate great work and all those people who are dissing you I’d love to see their channels.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      Thanks a lot mate. Some people love to throw shit in my direction, but pretty much every one of them didn't have a single video. I think it says a lot.

  • @BomberFletch31
    @BomberFletch31 4 роки тому

    Great review. I've never owned either car (I've owned an EA and a BF) but I've driven all three iterations of the AU Falcon and you're absolutely right about them being brilliant cruisers. That's what I love about Falcons.

  • @raindammit
    @raindammit 4 роки тому +1

    Very nicely done video mate. I actually got a bit emotional during the end credits, the period between 1997 and 2006 was such an exciting time for Ford and Holden. Such a great loss.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +1

      If you know me, I love nothing better than chopping onions during the credits.

  • @dkaun160
    @dkaun160 4 роки тому +1

    Dont give up on yt 15k subs isnt to much but i love your yt channel so much and you a good youtuber

  • @icascone
    @icascone 4 роки тому

    Very well done!

  • @robvegas9354
    @robvegas9354 4 роки тому

    Awesome video - I haven't seen a VT on the roads in years. Those AU's are still everywhere!

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      I do love that an AU appeared in my VT road test. There are heaps around once you head out of the city.

    • @Nthstar
      @Nthstar 3 роки тому

      I see heaps of VTs around but hardly any AUs?

  • @casey6933
    @casey6933 4 роки тому

    PS. Absolutely BRILLIANT video.
    Content and editing!

  • @lynettescott1627
    @lynettescott1627 Рік тому

    Thank you for this clip, I have a 1999 Falcon Forte AU sedan & I've had many opportunities to upgrade.
    But to what?.
    Had a few problems like window stick & central locking.
    But in all this time it has never let me down apart from one time on the freeway , can't remember what, but made it home in Limp Home Mode, had to keep her under 80ks but got there, amazing.
    It handles so ,well & the steering is so precise.
    You can drive for long periods & it's a relaxed drive.
    When you need the extra speed, it's immediate & a fantastic gear box.
    I've noticed more & more that the new cars have actually followed the AU design, even the new Mercedes, got to admit I had a giggle.
    To me the Ugly Duckling has turned into a beautiful Swan.
    Loved your comments, so interesting, thanks.

  • @maxwellmurray7323
    @maxwellmurray7323 4 роки тому

    OOoofff 50/50 for the poll
    Fantastic video which shows two Australian classics!
    Keep up the epic production quality, your videos are very pleasing to watch.
    So whens the au/vt meet happening 😂

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +1

      It's swaying towards the AU at the moment. Bad things usually happen with the Police when car UA-camr's try to organise meet ups though.

    • @maxwellmurray7323
      @maxwellmurray7323 4 роки тому

      Yes very true especially when talking a Holden and Ford meet

  • @2burning2turning
    @2burning2turning 4 роки тому

    Excellent video.

  • @Chriswales
    @Chriswales 4 роки тому

    Great video Sean, clearly a lot of work goes into them. Quality is better than quantity, keep up the good work! As for the result of the video, think I'd agree with you these days. Drove both cars 20 years ago while traveling through Australia. They were standard 6 cylinder hire cars and I preferred VT since it felt more like a drivers car. Now I'm in my 50s I think I'd prefer the comfort of the AU.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому

      Sounds about right to me, the VT is certainly fun.

  • @josephbarker4436
    @josephbarker4436 4 роки тому

    Awesome video very true facts on both side's

  • @riccrothall4828
    @riccrothall4828 Рік тому +1

    I just can't see a reason to relace my 2002 AU wagon, over 300,000 k's and still as smooth as silk. I bought it for $2,500 6yrs ago with all paperwork going back to new. A fantastic Aussie car that will live on as a classic workhorse.

  • @kournikovac2625
    @kournikovac2625 4 роки тому

    And the great content keeps on coming! Thank you!
    Nice review and comparison!
    You summarises a lot of my thoughts about both cars, except I’d still choose the VT due to how much I can’t stand the look of the AU inside and out. However I respect the AU as the hardy underdog.
    That being said, I kept my FG xr6 ute and sold my VU SS, as I daily my FG and it was the winner for a perfect all round cruiser. I did consider buying a VF ute as I’m a Holden man at heart, but the falcon FG is the winner out of the two for overall good car; a jack of all trades, master of none.

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +1

      Sometimes the looks just don't matter. Even though I gave the VT the win for the visual parts, when I see the AU interior shots in the video I do quite admire it. I guess it grows on you.

  • @SuperBOOKNUT
    @SuperBOOKNUT 4 роки тому

    Good review.

  • @BarkingBarely7789
    @BarkingBarely7789 2 роки тому +1

    I'm not sure if you still reply to comments anymore, but I've been slowly getting into cars more and more. I never noticed how many of those ford falcon AUs are around, and I think they've grown on me, especially the bug eye headlights variations XD. I loved how the video was based on personal experiences and not just looking at the car and going "Yeah I think this one is nice".
    Definitely subscribed! And hopefully, once my old Barina TK bites the dust, I can find my own project car to tinker up and try be a mechanic like my sister :D

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  2 роки тому

      If you like big comfortable cars they're great. Pretty simple and reliable too, which are good traits to have in a car 👍

    • @BarkingBarely7789
      @BarkingBarely7789 2 роки тому

      @@MotoringBoxTV As a big bloke, those are my two top priorities! If I can sit in there without feeling like a sardine, I'm happy as larry lol. Now I just need to find one that's affordable and doesn't look like it came out of a lake after 30 years of submersion, facebook marketplace is crazy where I live XD. Thank you for replying! It's nice to see you still comment on these videos!

  • @ethanjubee4438
    @ethanjubee4438 4 роки тому

    I think a fair comparison would have been 6 cylinders only but a clean one may not have been around when you were looking. Once again awesome video! Only discovered your channel a wee while ago and I'm loving it 🤙

    • @MotoringBoxTV
      @MotoringBoxTV  4 роки тому +1

      Thanks mate! Yes I originally wanted a Calais with the supercharged 6. Found a clean one but the seller wanted drug money for it. This one with the LS was on the market for ages at a very fair price and in the end I caved in and went with it.

  • @JPate33
    @JPate33 4 роки тому +1

    Love these videos. Would like to see another comparison video like ED vs VR

  • @chris929rr7
    @chris929rr7 3 роки тому

    Love your vids mate. Ive owned everything except the AU. Ive had 2 BA's one taxi one turbo and currently have the VE Calais 6.0L. The old turbbo BA still kills the Calais and the Calais is tuned to 300kw with an OTR and 3"cat back. Dont know what the BA is putting out ATM as it has not been tuned yet. Long live the aussie greats. Keep the vids coning, nice work.

  • @famousamoss
    @famousamoss 4 роки тому

    Wow! What an amazing video! I really expected you to give the award to the VT. Driving both cars for work, I think the VT (II) was the best car I had driven at the time, but if buying one now, I’d definitely go Ford. Extremely different design then, but somehow familiar and comforting now. Great job mate!