Ford Falcon vs BMW M3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Ford Falcon: we're still completing price, 0-100km/h and ground clearance.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
Track the Ford Falcon & BMW M3
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The BMW M3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Ford Falcon gets cloth upholstery while the BMW M3 offers merino leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Ford Falcon and 2-zone in the BMW M3.
Drivetrain
The Ford Falcon uses a petrol producing 195kW and 391Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic (zf) to a RWD layout.
The BMW M3 responds with a Petrol making 353kW and 550Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds.
The BMW M3 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 195kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Falcon measures 4,955mm long on a 2,838mm wheelbase, 154mm longer than the BMW M3 at 4,801mm (2,857mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 535L in the Ford Falcon and 480L in the BMW M3, giving the Ford Falcon a 55L advantage.
For towing, the Ford Falcon leads with a 2,300kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,822/year for the Ford Falcon and $2,879/year for the BMW M3. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Ford Falcon.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Ford Falcon) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M3). The BMW M3 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 6yr (Ford Falcon)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Falcon if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW M3 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Ford Falcon takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Ford Falcon will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Ford Falcon has a clear edge. The BMW M3 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford Falcon and BMW M3?
The BMW M3 is the cheapest at $163,700 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Falcon uses the least fuel at 9.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Ford Falcon holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for BMW M3, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Ford Falcon has the largest boot at 535L.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Falcon has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,300kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW M3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M3 makes the most power at 353kW.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
