Au Xr6 Or Ba Futura ? Which To Buy ?

[fordy-two]

I'm looking at buying either a AU XR6 VCT series 2 or 3, or a 2002-2003 BA Futura - they're roughly in the same price range. As the BA Falcon is supposedly far in advance of the AU series, is the BA considered a better thing than the superseded XR6 ? I'm not overly interested in out-and-out performance (though like any good aussie bloke you don't have to scratch the surface too hard to unearth the boy racer), just good handling and value for money.

Really like the look of the AU XR6's, but figure the BA may be a better day to day proposition. The car will be driven about 15,000 km a year by me and the missus ferrying the teenage kids about. It will be our main form of transport though we do have a second car ( '92 cressida - great car ! A Supra dressed in a cardigan.)

Did any of the AU XR6's come with side airbags ?

Your thoughts appreciated.