Iron Empire - HOLDEN vs FORD go HEAD to HEAD (Statesman VS Fairlane) 

You forgot to mention the Fairlane's length has always resulted in the extra leg room in the rear seat. Perfect for the luxury market it's built for.

my favourite bit about the statesman ever since i was younger in vs/vr was the curve around window 🤤🤤 plus the holden 5 litre sounds so good

The statesman is longer wheel base than a commodore sedan, is built on sw platform. I currently own two statos,a vq and wh but have been looking for a NL for over a year now. Fairlane wins for me man, cheers for a great show, from NZ.🤙

Ah, the Statesman. The Cadillac of Adelaide’s flatlands!

Cant beat the smooth auto in the 5L fords. The 5L Holden's were so clunky

I was always a Holden man but both cars are mint and have their pros and cons. The day that Ford Australia and Holden pulled the trigger and buried the Commodore and Falcon was a very sad day and the final nail in the coffin for locally made products in this country. I'd have either brand as they're rivalry is what made them great. Makes me sad to think that Falcon and Commodore will never be iconic symbols of Australia. I'd be privileged to own either of those cars Thanks for bringing us an honest review of both.

Growing up, I had no eyes for Mercedes, BMW or Bentley. For a young pup staring out the back window of dad's jade green XE Fairmont Ghia, the most luxurious cars floating down the highway were always the Fairlane and the Statesman. Cracking vid mate :)

Had the v8 and a v6 statsman sold them few years back still have my two e series fairlanes love the but enjoyed the way the statsman drove engines very responsive..but everyone to there own ...Your fairlane keep me motivated to do something with mine ...both cars looking smart cool episode..🤙🤙

Perfect timing Mate, just having a morning Coffee. Must agree for a person who currently owns Ford, Holden and HSV, the Fairlane is my Pick.

Excellent video @The Iron Empire! I've owned more Holdens and Statesmans, but have owned a few Fairlanes and Falcons. Currently own a VS Caprice. I think you highlighted what each one does well. I think the EL/NL cars ride n steer better, but feel bulkier than the VR/VS. As for people knocking ya for not knowing about Statesman being a LWB, it's easy to see that Holden has tried to hide the extra length, whereas Ford shows it off. The Statesman left a bit on the table because Holden went broke in 80's and was still recovering. EA-EL was Ford's equivalent of the VE-Billion dollar baby and your Fairlane proves my thoughts on that.

Need to get a set of GT40 heads, Explorer manifold and 70mm MAF on that fairlane ASAP

I think the designs somewhat reflect the target market of the day where probably the Ford was aimed at comfort, space and luxury where the Holden was a bit smaller, quicker and sportier. You're so lucky to have them both. New paint looks killer. I'm now past Ford V's Holden and really just appreciate these gems from the past. Thanks

I think the Fairlane is a better looking car from this era as time went on the Statesman got better looking. As far as performance goes in stock configuration goes the Iron Lion was in a class of its own for best bang for your buck.

Great vid mate, keep them coming

Great video as usual, there both sweet rides 👊

Very fair video mate. I'm a holden guy, have a few, in particular a vs 3 Caprice 5lt which is what lead me to this video. Both great cars, the 90s was a great time. Your Fairlane looks wicked with the airbags. Personally, I always liked the na-dc fairlane/Ltds.

I have had my Fairlane since 2006. I have driven numerous other cars, but the seating position, the all-round vision, the lack of alarms and the amazing highway cruising, Has meant that I have not updated, and will probably keep it going indefinitely. They are so comfortable. That Holden is a beautiful car too.

I'd be as happy as a pig in sh*t in either to be honest. They're both a good looking piece of motoring history.

wicked vid! that era of Fairlane was stunning!!!

Great stuff mate keep up the good work buddy and stay safe and take care... I as usual always look forward to the next episodes " Much support from me as always... Cheers mate from Bill...

Awesome too see videos like this .

They are both great examples of Aussie manufacturing, I'm a ford guy but I appreciate cars! A nice car is a nice car regardless! And you have 2 cracking examples, great comparison vid ! I would be happy if I had both in my driveway! 👌

I reckon they’re both awesome. I’m a Holden guy though so statesman for me. Cheers mate 👍

Cool video man 🥳🙌

Love both, but the Fairlane is in my heart, first car was a 68 Fairlane what fun we had!

Open the dome light on the ceiling of the Statesman... you will find a Ford badge 😁 (same ones out of the Falcons). Ford probably made other plastics for the Holdens... those handles look like the old Ford ones.

Statesman was built on the long wheelbase of the wagon/ute, the same as the Fairlane was built on the wagon floor. Engine performance back in the day was very similar, tho the Holden usually sounded more V8ish. Statesman was always a little firmer in the ride, lightyears ahead in handling. Usually in the motoring press back in the day, the Ford was better for being chauffeured in, the Holden was better if you enjoyed a fang yourself.

I think the a Fairlane is a better looking car from that era,I have found the falcon range of cars more comfortable than the commodore range, thanks for the video. 👍

Like both of em....awesome channel too

Great video of two Aussie Icons.

Both primo cars though have to admit that I personally love the look of the statesman especially in that colour👌

Not true vs statesman shares the same wheelbase as the wagon which is 110 mm longer from memory

Awesome job mate, two beautiful luxury cars with a tough appeal, great work on the tough stands, rims, exhaust & details paint & trim, & keeping both cars Lux's & TOUGH bring on me doing my ZD Fairlane 71 models to the same standard, Fantastic Vid's great work, cheers ❤👌👍👍😎

I'm definitely a Ford guy and want to own another late Eseries Lane/LTD But that statesman has cleaned up into a very nice cruiser. Love your work mate.

the VS stato v6 is ranging from 5 to 10 k while the V8 is 15 to 20. the VS caprice are now in the 20s

The one thing i dont like is when ford stopped making twin headlights for the fairlane, imo thats what set it apart from the falcon

I'm a Stato kinda guy but damn that fairlane looks beautiful sitting at that height. Stato need more low hahaha. Both gorgeous cars. Nice man.

Good honest, fair review

The VR/VS statesman is absolute Porn. I lost my VS in the huge hail storm we had up north in Adelaide a couple of years back. Still breaks my heart.

Great Aussie comparison mate.. Ford just did interior way better throughout the 90’s I might be bias too as I own a 5.0L Fairmont with tickford body kit.. statesman is a sweet looking car both would be nice

Hey mate what spacers are you running on the fairlane for the G6E wheels

Great vid 👍the fairlane is my choice my old man has one the Same color along with a cheeky nc 5ltr manual swap

When your getting to cars around this age it’s always hard to compare as they live two completely different lives. My feeling is both are equally great and it more comes down to which brand you are tied to but both are cool. The Statesman I believe is based off the wagon so has a longer wheelbase than the commodore. The Falcon always looked more Aussie than the Holden as it was based off an American or Europe car but I preferred the Holden as they always looked more modern than the Ford

Great episode mate, Fairly judged to. But for me personally it's the stato for sure!! Holden bias yes haha but I do like the fairlane to 😎👌

Both desirable cars, but for me whoever did the ergonomics at holden was a very different shape to me, always found that era of fords had a better, seat, wheel, pedal relationship. Obviously individual results may vary!

Stato looks mint , cleaned her up well . Holden 5L skids for days

The wrap around rear windscreen on the Statesman originated with the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme in the late 80’s , into the early 90’s . Just look up Motorweek retro review 1990 "GM10" bodies videos here on YT... you will quickly see where this design originated from...

The paintwork on both car amazing. Personal I love the Fairlane 😎

Statesman for the win for me, cheers Mark

Hey mate. Great review and I enjoyed watching it. Just to add some meat to the segment (if I may) the Fairland didn't have a longer wheelbase for ride ability, it came standard featuring the station wagon wheel base, and that gave you better ride ability. As you know, the longer the wheelbase, the nicer the ride. That why Mini's were never used as chauffeur vehicles - lol - bad example, but you get the drift. Also the Fairlane was based on the American Crown Victoria / Lincoln Marquis. This is why the Fairlane will always out-ride the Statesman in comfort and trim quality levels. The Windsor V8 may be down on the kilo-whoppers, but they are super durable. Limo companies back in the 80's & 90's would put a million kays on a Windsor V8 - Again, American based. Given that, the Aussie 304 did a fantastic job, and the Holden ALWAYS seemed to have the better exhaust note out of the two. Man, all you had to do with the Holden was change the centre muffler to a sports, and sound changed dramatically. Anyway, again, great review mate, keep up your great work. Either of these 2 cars in a collectors shed in 2023 would be cool. Cheers Fletch.

Both cool Aussie made cars . Good show mate , it's a shame car manufacturing in Australia gone .

Thank you for sharing your cars. It is interesting to see the Australian cars. I am in the United States. I like Holden. I liked the Australian Ford LTD/Fairlane. i do not know if you are aware of American GM cars, but the styling on the Holden either influenced or inspired Holden. The Oldsmobile Cutlass supreme sedan 1990-1997 looks like the Holden Statesman in your video.. I have noted that many years of Holdens look like Oldsmobiles. We got the Holden Commodore as the Pontiac G8 and Chevrolet SS. We got the Caprice as the Chevrolet Caprice PPV. We got the Monaro as the Pontiac GTO. Your Fairlane look like our Mercury Grand Marquis-1992-2011 and our Ford Crown Victoria 1992-2011. The window design looks like the 1992-1997 Crown Victoria. Some of your later LTD and Fairlanes look like our 1988-1994 Lincoln Continental. Thank you for the video.

Im a fan of both but the Stato is my pic. Always loved them.

I am an aussie Mopar fan, but also used to love Holden's, I've owned 2 vn execs , a vr Berlina, VT SS and vy berlina untill last year when I bought a BF xr6.... Ive crossed over and have to say I'm a fan of Ford's, Mechanically more sound and sooo comfortable to drive, I gotta say the Fairlane does it for me in this one

The Fairlane deserves a Barra Inline 6 turbo rated to 1000 hp at the rear wheels, ZF 6 Speed Transmission, LSD and EL GT Falcon brakes and she's all up to date in the performance department. Opportunity to test the effectiveness of a Limousine rear spoiler added to the boot too.

I'm bluebood-ed too😏 can certainly appreciate a nice Holden though 👍 But I've had E-series for over 20yrs and just love them!

Never was a fan of the NF-NL as I thought they were too falcon looking. Before them, Ford always strived to make the Fairlane/LTD look upper from the Falcon, to which they did again the AU series but not in the B series. Both Holden and Ford made the interiors the same (or based on) the range of their lower class range, just with some tweaks like electric seats etc, that was more to keep the European voice in people's head happy while keeping their 'buy local's appreciate satisfied. It's a shame it's come to an end as the Fairlanes and Statesmans of today would be worlds away from their roots. The prices I think on Holden's are much higher because of I have found Holden owners have more of the 'Dont make these anymore' attitude and try to push the price up, and especially here in South Australia, Holden's were more to the childhood hearts of the kids as their parents bought Holden's as they either worked there, or wanted to buy 'South Aussie mate'. At the end of the day, a car is only worth what the next is willing to pay for it. Cars like these will never be recreated and with the electric revolution taking a foot hold, they will soon only be referred to how we refer to the model T of that time. Very sad. Nice examples of both though Mark.

The Fairlanes from the 90's have same wheelbase as the wagons, you can see the extension from the bottom of the rear doors to the rear wheels.

Have never really noticed but if you look at the wh statesman it’s very similar to the fairlane interior and exterior

Wish vs statesman,s had useable cup holders ,but been looking at EF and el Fairmont,s and nf and nls latel

Statesman is longer wheelbase, look where the rear edge of the rear door is. On the commodore it is in line with front of rear wheel arch. Ford looks like a limo the statesman, not so much. The stateys wrap around window is a result of the commodore already having a third window in the c pillar and Holden trying to make it look different. Not a fan of it.

That Fairlane is mint 🙏🙌

Mark Good shot out and makes sense. Jules

That Fairlanes a beast

I'm a 60's and 70's muscle car man, but for what its worth my pick is the Fairlane.

Yeah, you're right.

I have two mint VS Series 3 Statesman’s but can still respect the LWB Fairlane of that era. 👍🏻

Well but together comparo but thought you were a little unfair on the Stato. Both of them are built on the wagon LWB platform despite the Holden not being as long. It makes up for that with IRS. External panels: Fairlane front bumper, bonnet, doors and guards are all Falcon/Faimont. Statesman has Commodore front doors only. Even the front guards were tweaked to make the indicators look smaller. Fairlane basically has a Falcon dash. Statesman has a bespoke dash. I love my Aussie LWB barges & own a DC LTD. I much prefer the earlier style as Ford went to a lot of effort to make NA/NC not look like a Falcon

Like both but I’m going Holden

That statesman has the same centre interior map light as my 94 NC2 Fairlane.

Love both cars equally there Australia classics shame both discontinued have owned 96 VS Statesman & Earlier 93 EB Fairlane Ghia great review

Love the fairlane .👌

Ford all the way brother these veins bleed blue 👍🏻 great vid keep them coming

Was I the only one that expected a drag race?

Great Vid Love them both but cant go past the statesmen for me

Fairlane looks much more premium, the EF - EL series were the best designed

The statesman was long wheelbase were they not ?

I really miss the Fairlanes(I was a Ford fan until they stopped making Falcons), they're such nice cars and even today have better interiors than what Ford offer in this day and age.

Hey mate,correct me if I'm wrong but isn't it a vs,I thought vr had different taillights.?

Stato FTW!!!

Both nice cars..

NL with a V8 be Easy 10,000 now

I like the Ford better overall. I don’t like the look of that straight wheel arch on the rear of the Holden. Nice cars!👍

I’m biased as mate, but the Statesman came super close in my opinion.. definitely love the wheelbase on the Ford though.

Go the Ford every day for comfort and style but the Holden 5 litre does sound awesome

The Statesman was a longer wheel base than the Commodore. Also Ford didn't offer a V8 Falcon/Fairlane from 1982 until to 1991, when they brought the fuel injected 302 Windsor back in 1991... Holden's were definitely more performance based but the Ford's are such a nice cruiser and look more badass

i used to be a deadset holden bloke owned 8 in row last 2 were vp commodores. Then i bought an ef fairmont and my god was that such a better car. Sooo much nicer to drive smooth comfortable better NVH. never bought another holden since lol. After that bought a BF mk2 wagon had it for 8 years still got it probably the best, most reliable and useful car i've owned cant beat the space in a wagon

Difficult decision from me, i'm a Holden guy and i like the V8 but the Fairlane has better interior, in my opinion, and i'd feel more comfortable driving the Fairlane.( Statesman has a great colour, Fairlane has a crap colour)

This model of statesman looks better better today than it did when new. Not a fan of the statesman model after or the very last one. Neither have aged well. But this one looks good indeed. Be a great car to have in the driveway. Its a generalization but I always felt the fords were always comfortable straight line cruisers and the holdens were awesome in curves. But visa-versa with both cars not so much.

Mark I think you need a 00's model fairlane to complete your set 🤣, I'd suggest working on getting a statesman from every decade but it's not a cheap goal! Probably too hard... but a 00s Fairlane is totally in reach!

Both look nice but I think fords have always had better interior and finish

used to have a supercharged v6 L67 vs stato. was quicker than my mates vn ss 5L!

Another different but good vid as always. Ford 100% all the way.

I had a 1999 fairlane and a 2001 statesman when they were both current. I regret selling that fairlane it is still one of my favourite cars I have driven. Ford wins for me.

Fords hands down all the way. I'm glad the fairlane dosent have the wrap around window I like the slim style rear pillar

fairlane > stateo LTD < Caprice!

I Ike both them models but Ford for me 😍😍

The statesman is actually longer wheelbase than a commodore sedan it has the same wheelbase as commodore wagon

2 very nice LIMO'S.....Fairlane 👌

They both nice bro but the Holden is my choice of car but both my sons picked the ford.