Click either image to view high-res gallery of the Ultimate Sh-Ute-Out
While the U.S. is about to get its first taste of two-door, rear-wheel-drive, car-based pickups in the form of the Pontiac G8 ST (official name still TBD), Australians have been enjoying these things, called utes, for decades. While Holden introduced a new version of its Commodore-based ute last year, Ford has just gotten around to meeting the challenge with its new Falcon-based ute. And you know what that means: Ford vs. GM cage match in Koala Bear country! Pickuptrucks.com has pitted the Holden SS Ute and Ford XR8 Ute, both top-shelf sports models, against each other in this Ultimate Sh-Ute-Out for the ages. For as similar as these utes are in price and power, we were surprised to learn how different they actually are. The Ford ute, for instance, is considered more of a workhorse than the Holden and thus continues to use a leaf-sprung rear suspension instead of an IRS like the Holden. Apparently it's the more truckish of the two, as evident by its separated cab and bed compared to the clean one-piece design of the Holden. Both models tested use big V8 powerplants, but the XR8's Boss V8 was more high-tech compared to tried-and-true Gen IV pushrod.
Being that Pontiac is about to start selling the Holden Ute in the U.S. as the Pontiac G8 ST, this comparo is a good Beginner's Course in the wonderful world of Aussie utes. And who knows, if the Pontiac G8 and G8 ST sell well, that may just be the urging Ford needs to bring the Falcon stateside sooner than the next-generation model. Check out the gallery of insanely cool high-res shots from the comparo below, courtesy of Pickuptrucks.com, and hit the source to read the comparo from start to finish.
[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Avinash machado @ May 20th 2008 12:02PM
The Ford Ute could be named as the Ranchero if it comes to the US.
SPG @ May 20th 2008 12:14PM
I dunno, I kinda think if they did it would be somthing starting with an "E".
The new Ford "Excelsior'.
CarbonBlack @ May 20th 2008 11:39PM
Yeah spg, Ford does that retarded crap with their names.
Ranchero is a fine name, just doesn't continue the "E" saga
Dave @ May 21st 2008 8:30AM
I don't like the split body of the Ford. The Ranchero and EL Camino had a one piece body.
Jim @ May 20th 2008 12:06PM
U-G-L-Y
Shipey @ May 20th 2008 12:19PM
The lime greens are ugly, but the design of the Holden is really pretty beautiful, IMHO. It's quite sleek, especially sitting next to the comparitively lumpy looking Ford.
C.W. @ May 20th 2008 1:37PM
you see shipey, here is where the debate ensues... i look at the two, and the Ford looks way meaner, and tougher. so basically the exact opposite of what you said...
Eric77TA @ May 20th 2008 12:19PM
"While the U.S. is about to get its first taste of two-door, rear-wheel-drive, car-based pickups..."
Well, its first in more than 21 years - since 1987. Ford Ranchero ran from 1957-79 and Chevy El Camino from 1959-1987. So America has tasted lots of two-door, rear-wheel-drive, car-based pickups. But do they still like the taste?
fm @ May 20th 2008 7:44PM
no
why not the LS2LS7? @ May 20th 2008 12:20PM
Ford engine has an iron block, 4 overhead cams and makes its peak HP at 5750 RPM despite being hand built.
The GM motor has an aluminum block, a single cam with pushrods and makes its peak HP at 5700RPM and comes right out of a crate.
Which is more high tech again?
Kevin @ May 20th 2008 1:01PM
And it wouldn't surprise me to find that the GM engine is more fuel efficient to boot.
rouse42 @ May 20th 2008 12:41PM
put a turbo 4 in it with good mpg.
give it some room behind the seats so you could slide back and recline a little and not feel like you've got the steering wheel of an old ford ranger in your chest.
give it the capacity to haul a 49x97" sheet of MDF. and tow a small trailer.
and i think we got a winner.
oh yeah and price it right. not in the mid to high 20's
more like $20 and under
Dan @ May 20th 2008 2:28PM
Seen what the dollar is worth lately?
They can barely price a Civic at 20K and under.
Peter L @ May 20th 2008 1:00PM
"Koala Bear Country"
Koala are marsupials not bears.
Just back from Aussie where that lime green looks great in the bright sunshine . Other almost iridescent colours not seen in N. Am. look great also.
Utes are the hot set up for the younger crowd all over the country, I drove over 5,000 miles and whenever there was a loud exhaust and a speeding vehicle it was usually either a Holden or Ford ute with a V8 under the bonnet.
jamie @ May 20th 2008 1:19PM
Luv them Ozzie Utes!
Saw a strange one running about OC last week. Chevy produced the El Camino. Ford produced a Ranchero.
But what on earth did Edsel make??? Was it a Ranchero also? I have never seen anything like it before. Was it a one of a kind knock off, concept or a limited production model? Gawd it was beautiful and ugly at the same time! I really lusted after this beast.
Gregg @ May 20th 2008 1:19PM
Couldn't Ford AU hire some designers that can draw at least as good as those at Holden? Why the lumpy long nose-overhang on the Ford, which makes it appear like a front driver?
william @ May 20th 2008 1:30PM
Battle of the Brats!
C.W. @ May 20th 2008 1:39PM
didnt you read the article? the Ford is more high-tech...
you can tell by the comments who is a ford fanboy and who is GM... just take it for what it is... the Ford is better... there, that was easy.
C.W. @ May 20th 2008 1:40PM
didnt you read the article? the Ford is more high-tech...
you can tell by the comments who is a ford fanboy and who is GM... just take it for what it is... the Ford is better... there, that was easy.
Mike Lee @ May 20th 2008 1:45PM
I love these cars. Why don't we get them here? Yes, I know we're going to get the Pontiac-camino. But what's with Ford? Don't they know that there are potential sales in this country for this kind of vehicle (again)? Why is it the Austrailians get so many cool cars and we get bland, boring cars in the U.S.? GM, Ford, and Chrysler can build exciting cars - in Europe and Austrailia - so why not here?