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Our FPV versus HSV test at Oran Park involved a pretty simple test; line the two up at the start of the main straight and drive flat out over 400 metres, the length of a standard drag strip.

Our ‘quarter mile’ comparison – both cars had an automatic transmission and the official timing was performed with the same driver - was an interesting match-up that revealed more than we expected from a simple straight-line acceleration test.

Yes, the FPV F6 is – ultimately – the quicker car. But only just, and it’s not exactly a clean sweep.

Off the line the HSV ClubSport launches more confidently, using its better rear-end grip and instant V8 engine response (there’s still a slight hesitation from mild turbo lag with the FPV).

The HSV is actually quicker than the FPV to 60km/h by one-tenth of a second. Both the FPV and HSV touched the 100km/h mark in the same 5.1 seconds.

So anyone who buys the FPV hoping to impress their friends with superior acceleration may be disappointed for 100 metres or so if they’re alongside an HSV with the new 6.2-litre V8.

Once moving, though, the FPV soon tips the balance of power. The FPV is a potent performer, struggling with traction at lower speeds due to the monumental torque that’s almost addictive in the way it thrusts you into the back of the seat.

Once the turbo kicks in, though, the FPV takes a lot of stopping. It’s a quick car for the money and infinitely better in its power delivery than the F6 Typhoon it replaces, which had noticeably more turbo lag.

With the FPV fast building speed it became pretty clear the HSV was never going to catch it. After 400 metres there was only one-tenth of a second between them (13.1 seconds for the FPV and 13.2 seconds for the HSV), which is roughly one car length. A win for the FPV, but only after it fought back.

As we’ve established before, what the turbocharged six-cylinder in Ford’s new Falcon lacks in outright power it makes up for with prodigious torque, available way down low in the rev range, where it’s most useful.

But there’s still a lot to like about the instant throttle response of a V8.

Incidentally, we also had a FPV Falcon GT tested on the same day and it was the slowest of the trio. 0-100km/h took 5.8 seconds and it crossed the 400m line in 13.7 seconds. But it didn’t sound like a particularly happy car, with a rattling from the exhaust.

Really, the battle for pace in the Australian muscle car war comes down to the FPV F6 and HSV ClubSport.

So really it depends what you want. The HSV has more impressive initial acceleration and the sound of a V8. The FPV is better once you’re moving and the tantalising snort of a turbo boosting away under the bonnet.

So, which would you choose?

Toby Hagon

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