In Australian motoring history, no rivalry runs deeper than Red versus Blue. For over half a century, schoolyard debates, workplace banter and Sunday race results at Mount Panorama hinged on a single question: Holden or Ford?
At the absolute peak of this homegrown battle stood two legendary modern muscle machines: the supercharged Ford Falcon XR8 and the naturally aspirated Holden Commodore SS. Both offered four doors, big V8 power sent to the rear wheels and unapologetic street swagger.
Driving them back-to-back reveals two distinct engineering philosophies tailored for local roads.
Under the Bonnet: Supercharged Muscle vs. Pure Displacement
The mechanical battle lines could not be clearer. Ford armed its final FG X Falcon XR8 with the “Miami” 5.0-litre supercharged V8 borrowed from FPV. Holden countered with General Motors’ iconic, naturally aspirated 6.0-litre (and later 6.2-litre) LS V8.
[Ford 5.0L Supercharged V8] âž” 335kW / 570Nm âž” Instant Low-End Wallop
[Holden 6.0L / 6.2L LS V8] âž” 270kW / 304kW âž” High-Revving Linear Power
On a straight stretch of tarmac, the Falcon’s supercharger delivers an intoxicating blow. With 570Nm of torque available from just 2,200rpm, the XR8 pulls with relentless force accompanied by a distinct supercharger whine.
The Commodore SS retaliates with a classic, linear power curve and a rich, acoustic V8 rumble that builds excitement as the rev needle climbs toward the redline.
Factual Head-to-Head Comparison
| Performance & Engineering Metric | Ford Falcon XR8 (FG X) | Holden Commodore SS (VF II) |
| Engine Configuration | 5.0-Litre Supercharged V8 | 6.2-Litre Naturally Aspirated V8 |
| Power Output | 335 kW @ 5,750rpm | 304 kW @ 6,000rpm |
| Torque Output | 570 Nm @ 2,200rpm | 570 Nm @ 4,400rpm |
| Braking Hardware | Brembo 4-Piston Calipers | Brembo 4-Piston Calipers (SS-V) |
| Chassis Dynamics | Heavy grand tourer feel | Taut, European-style balance |
Driving Dynamics: Drag Strip King vs. Corner Carver
Point the nose toward a winding country road and their personalities diverge significantly.
The Falcon XR8 behaves like a traditional, heavy-hitting muscle car. Its massive low-end torque can easily overwhelm rear traction, requiring respect and smooth throttle modulation when exiting corners.
The Commodore SS especially in SS-V Redline trim utilizes its FE3 sports suspension and balanced weight distribution to feel surprisingly light on its feet. Steering feedback is sharp, mid-corner grip is exceptional and the chassis instills immediate confidence through fast sweepers.
Inside, the VF Commodore’s cabin presentation and ergonomics feel a generation ahead, boasting modern displays and superior seat bolster support.
The Verdict
If your priority is sheer, violent straight-line acceleration and instant supercharged punch, the Ford Falcon XR8 takes the crown. However, if you want a complete, polished package that blends V8 noise with razor-sharp chassis handling and superior cabin comfort, the Holden Commodore SS edges ahead as the more complete driver’s car.
Both represent the absolute peak of Australian automotive engineering and both remain timeless legends on Aussie bitumen.