I like some of the comments about steering and brakes in this thread because if you jump on a commodore forum you'll find thats what they complain about on the Falcons.
I found a big difference in the brakes when I jumped from the VX to the BA but thats the way they have been designed. But I found the Falcons
ABS to kick in way to early (when my ex could get
ABS to enable at 20km/h I knew that was a bit stuffed). But I liked the steering and handling better in the XR when I got it but now that it's done 70,000k's the car is swaying to much and the ride is starting to become less comfortable (or I'm becoming more picky).But the XR has been a good car to me and I have never regretted buying it. And if you actually think the 4sp auto's in the Falcons are better than the ones in the Commodore than I'll laugh at you as they suck! If I couldn't get a manual Falcon than I would never have bought one.
Guess what both cars have their good and bad points they are as crap as each other. You just choose what problems you want your car to have.