For BA the 'base' XR6 runs the same engine as the XT, Futura etc. Unlike the
AU series where the XR6 HP & XR6 VCT had unique engines which were both more
powerful than the standard sixes in the Forte, Futura etc.

Yes you can get a heavy duty tow pack for the XR6.

I've had my BA for 18 months. It is a XT sedan with 5.4l V8, 5 speed, sports
suspension, LSD & 17" rims & tyres. So you can't draw any comparissons with
the XR6 model. I'm happy with the car but in hindsight I wish I had paid the
3 to 4 thousand more and got the XR6 Turbo instead. Who knew it was going to
go so well! I'm thinking of trading it in for the F6 Typhoon which FPV will
be releasing at the end of this year. This will be the fastest ever
production Falcon!

FF

I have a manual n/a XR6 and am very happy with it despite it having a
few teething problems.
Namely these are front brake rotors, had my machined 3 times and now
have new rotors + a shim kit to fix the problem under warrenty of
course. manuals also seem to suffer more on driveline vibrations, but
not all. The current manual trans used  in the BA 6's (its the T5)
doesn't have the nicest shift quality around, especially when tight,
they take a good few thousand k's to loosen up.

On the brake rotor problem, Ford finally fixed this with updated
componentry, I can't remember the date but Oct last year rings a bell,
if your buying new, it shouldn't be a problem.

If you can stretch to it, go for the XR6T, definately the best
performance Falcon (including GT's) you can buy. Its virtually as
quick as the GT's, and in my recent experience with a GT for a week,
the handling isn't as good as my XR6 and as the T is lighter, it will
likely have better braking too.

engine is great and despite the BA's weight and power hikes over
previous models, its not heavier on the fuel and equally isn't any
quicker than previous models - I had a manual EF XR6 to conpare it
too.

Tyre wear is good, i've got 32,000k's and i'd say the tyres are about
half worn all around.

Handling is very good, a marked improvement over previous models and
ride quality is also better at the same time. Suspension is quiter.

Go for the premium sound, about 850 extra for six stacker, sub,
tweeters etc. As a bonus you can put footwell globes in too.

A few things negatives -

I'm 6' and when using the clutch, find my knee hits the steering
column every now and again

Plastic used for kick panel and door sills are easily scratched, same
applies to a few other new cars i've been in too.

Clunks in XR manual driveline, Ford are aware of this.

n/a XR6 should have a few more kw's to distinguish it from XT.

You might wan't to wait for the new model due out in Oct too, the
manual XR6T gets a new box and most models get a few new goodies.