Ford Falcon XR6 v Holden Commodore S 2002 comparison

Jeesh, if the Falcon XR6 and Commodore S got any closer in specification, presentation and acceleration, their clashes would be R rated. The raw intensity of this rivalry is fuelled by there being more similarities than disparities. Sure, they have their differences in what they do and how they do it, but when the smoke clears the decision is all down to details.

The stoush develops on a fairly level field. The 182kW XR6 takes its first shot as a $37,775 manual before firing automatically from a $38,695 stronghold. The 152kW standard Commodore S responds with a manual pot-shot at $37,050 and seizes some ground with its $37,820 auto.

To stand a fighting chance against the gutsy XR6, the S needs the 171kW supercharged (and auto-only) engine that raises the ante to $39,410. Optional metallic paint, side bags, reverse-parking detector, and six-stack CD player lift the test car's ask to $41,275.

Given premium paint, side bags, and reverse-parking beeper, the XR6 auto costs $39,950. The test car also includes $2950 premium brakes and $500 pedal adjustment.

And so to Calder Raceway's dragstrip for a serious salvo. Since there's next to nothing between the naturally aspirated Ford and pumped-up Holden in engine outputs, no great gulf occurs when the pedal's nailed to the firewall. However, the supercharged S exploits its slightly lighter weight, slightly lower first gear, and initially bitier drivetrain to do a runner.

Getting from standstill to 60 clicks in less than four seconds shows the XR6 is no slouch, but by then the Holden has scorched to a half-second lead, which it maintains even though the Ford matches its pace once fully into stride. The XR6 comes on the stronger towards the top-end and is actually travelling a whisker faster than the S at the 400-metre mark, though still trailing for time. The supercharged S completes a clean sweep of the performance tests by nosing ahead in 80-120km/h rolling response.

Fuel consumption, if it matters? Checked over a brisk 400km town-and-country loop, both models clocked 12-something litres per 100km.

On the road, the differences in performance and responsiveness are rarely detectable, let alone noticeable - unlike the cars' voices and driving dynamics. Holden's engine is always a shade louder and gruffer than Ford's, which sounds comparatively crisp and (almost) cultured until wrung through the last thousand or so revs.

Holden's autobox performs well, too, but again seems coarser and more aurally agricultural. The Falcon drivetrain's dronings have largely gone. Commodore's revised shifter allows slick selection of third and second gears without thumbing the detente, but Ford's sequential tip-shift is the more empathetic when you're in 'manual' mood.

On the road, both models are mighty self-assured. They track true along straights and are deflected little or nil by gusty crosswinds. Come corners, however, and this pair stamp their individual identities beyond doubt.

It's been said before, but for such affordable, everyday, useable cars this big, fast, and heavy, the XR6 and S handle with real will and skill. Albeit quite differently. In many minds and hands, this is where the Ford's chassis puts the mocker on Holden's. The S is good for enthusiastic driving, but the XR6 has more poise and polish.

The Holden steering has firm-ish feel and meaty weighting. Endowed with on-centre integrity, the Holden is co-operatively responsive if not always overtly communicative. After the S, the XR6's steering initially seems so light and alert that you tend to over-apply the wheel, making the car feel a touch darty. But the low-level weighting is soon taken for granted and the XR points with immediacy and accuracy, making the S feel slightly blunt.

Where the S has Holden's one-size-fits-all FE2 sports suspension, the XR's spring and damper combo is all its own. You can tell the difference. Hooked into corners, the Holden handles really confidently. It changes direction like it's chasing live bait, settling securely, carrying all the speed you could wish for and remaining very nicely balanced and controllable. However, the price is felt in lumpy ride quality. The Holden's lack of suspension pliancy means the ride bucks and bobbles on rough roads.

The Ford's ride is no magic carpet, either. Yet, regardless of the road, it provides bump-blotting absorbency that is comfortably ahead of Holden's, and does so without compromising the handling. Besides seeming lighter on its feet than the S, the XR feels more alert and readier to answer the wheel. Judging by the chassis' terrific poise and alacrity in demanding driving, it's like the XR is almost a size smaller and more nimble than the S for carving through corners. While both have user-friendly handling even when driven to extremes, the XR's attitude is the more finely adjustable.

Can't tell you about the XR's standard brakes, but the powerful 'premium' units perform outstandingly to justify every confidence, not to say every dollar. And if the pedal feel is slightly dull, it at least remains resolutely progressive when punished. Holden doesn't offer an optional brake upgrade, but the stock binders perform impressively, though the pedal travel noticeably lengthens and softens when the heat's really on.

Moving inside, both these sporties have very adaptable driving positions and supportively comfortable buckets. Falcon's rear bench has the deeper cushion and a split-fold backrest, while Holden's backrest has a central hatch.

The VY has arguably the most functional, most attractive Commodore interior so far, but the XR pips it for presentation. XR's instruments look more upmarket. Falcon's minor controls operate with light, silky tactility where Commodore's are firmer and notchier. Details, schmetails. String enough of them together and they make a result.

There's no denying the supercharged S is a dinkum street fighter and an all-round contender. No mean streak in its driving, it narrowly takes the performance battle. With sights set even higher, however, the XR6 scores hit after hit in its drivetrain, chassis, and cabin to shoot holes through Holden's effort and win this war.

Click here to read more on the Falcon v Commodore battle.