Ford Galaxie (USA): Which Version Should You Buy?
The best Ford Galaxie (USA) depends on whether you value outright performance, balanced specifications, or a later chassis. The performance choice in the supplied catalogue is the second-generation 6.6 MT with 411 hp, while its other 6.6 MT with 390 hp must be distinguished by output.
The best Ford Galaxie (USA) depends on whether you value outright performance, balanced specifications, or a later chassis. The performance choice in the supplied catalogue is the second-generation 6.6 MT with 411 hp, while its other 6.6 MT with 390 hp must be distinguished by output. For the strongest documented acceleration, the third-generation 7.0 AT reaches 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and has a top speed of 196 km/h. A buyer seeking the newest listed generation can choose among fourth-generation Coupe Hardtop versions, but the shown outputs range from 142 hp to 264 hp. The catalogue covers four generations from 1959 through 1974, with Cabrio bodies in the first three generations and a Coupe Hardtop in the fourth.
Ford Galaxie (USA) generations compared
The first generation covers 1959 and includes six Cabrio versions. The engine range shown runs from the 3.7 MT and 3.7 AT, both with 145 hp, through the 4.8 MT and 4.8 AT, both with 200 hp, to the 5.8 MT and 5.8 AT, both with 300 hp. Every listed version is RWD and uses a 3-speed transmission. Kerb weight is 1,730 kg for both 3.7 versions and 1,788 kg for the 4.8 and 5.8 versions.
The second generation spans 1960–1964 and has 46 Cabrio modifications, of which twelve are represented in the supplied specifications. This generation offers the broadest shown choice: displacements extend from 3,653 cc to 6,638 cc and outputs from 140 hp to 411 hp. The 6.6 MT with 411 hp exceeds the 6.6 MT with 390 hp by 21 hp and the 6.4 MT by 4 hp. Most shown versions have 3-speed transmissions, while the 5.8 MT, 6.4 MT, and both 6.6 MT entries have 4-speed Manual gearboxes.
The third generation covers 1965–1968 and consists of two Cabrio versions. The 3.9 MT produces 170 hp from 3,900 cc and uses a 3-speed Manual transmission. The 7.0 AT produces 345 hp and 626 Nm from 7,000 cc through a 2-speed Automatic transmission. It has 175 hp more than the 3.9 MT, while both are RWD.
The fourth generation spans 1968–1974 and contains 49 Coupe Hardtop modifications; twelve are shown here. Its catalogue entries use carbureted, naturally aspirated Gasoline engines mounted front and longitudinally, 3-speed Manual or Automatic gearboxes, and RWD. The shown choice begins with two pairs of 3.9 MT and 3.9 AT specifications, rated at either 142 hp or 152 hp, and reaches the 6.6 AT with 264 hp and 542 Nm.
Ford Galaxie engines and specs
Repeated names are separated below by power so that each catalogue specification remains identifiable.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First — 3.7 MT | 145 hp | not measured | 3,653 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| First — 3.7 AT | 145 hp | not measured | 3,653 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First — 4.8 MT | 200 hp | not measured | 4,778 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| First — 4.8 AT | 200 hp | not measured | 4,778 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| First — 5.8 MT | 300 hp | not measured | 5,766 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| First — 5.8 AT | 300 hp | not measured | 5,766 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second — 3.7 MT | 140 hp | 275 Nm | 3,653 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 3.7 AT | 140 hp | 275 Nm | 3,653 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second — 4.3 MT | 166 hp | 350 Nm | 4,267 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 4.3 AT | 166 hp | 350 Nm | 4,267 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second — 4.7 MT | 198 hp | 382 Nm | 4,727 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 4.7 AT | 198 hp | 382 Nm | 4,727 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second — 4.8 MT | 172 hp | 378 Nm | 4,778 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 4.8 AT | 172 hp | 378 Nm | 4,778 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second — 5.8 MT | 220 hp | 456 Nm | 5,766 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 6.4 MT | 407 hp | 583 Nm | 6,384 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 6.6 MT, 390 hp | 390 hp | 602 Nm | 6,638 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second — 6.6 MT, 411 hp | 411 hp | 607 Nm | 6,638 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third — 3.9 MT | 170 hp | not measured | 3,900 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | not measured | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third — 7.0 AT | 345 hp | 626 Nm | 7,000 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | not measured | 2-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Fourth — 3.9 MT, 142 hp | 142 hp | 312 Nm | 3,929 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Fourth — 3.9 AT, 142 hp | 142 hp | 312 Nm | 3,929 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Fourth — 3.9 MT, 152 hp | 152 hp | 317 Nm | 3,929 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Fourth — 3.9 AT, 152 hp | 152 hp | 317 Nm | 3,929 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Fourth — 4.9 MT | 223 hp | 407 Nm | 4,942 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Fourth — 4.9 AT | 223 hp | 407 Nm | 4,942 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Fourth — 5.8 MT | 243 hp | 475 Nm | 5,766 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Fourth — 5.8 AT, 243 hp | 243 hp | 475 Nm | 5,766 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Fourth — 5.8 AT, 155 hp | 155 hp | 361 Nm | 5,766 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Fourth — 6.4 MT | 258 hp | 510 Nm | 6,384 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| Fourth — 6.4 AT | 258 hp | 510 Nm | 6,384 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Fourth — 6.6 AT | 264 hp | 542 Nm | 6,590 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
Performance, mpg and economy
The third-generation 7.0 AT is the only listed version with measured acceleration and maximum speed: 0–100 km/h takes 7.8 seconds and top speed is 196 km/h. Acceleration and top speed are not measured for every other listed version, so engine output alone should not be presented as a measured road-performance result.
City, highway, and combined fuel consumption are not measured for any version. Consequently, no mpg comparison can be made from the supplied catalogue data. CO2 output and eco class are also not measured throughout the range.
Power per litre does provide a specification-based comparison. The second-generation 6.6 MT with 411 hp produces about 61.9 hp per litre, narrowly ahead of the 6.4 MT at about 63.8 hp per litre; although the 6.6 has 4 hp more overall, the 6.4 extracts more power from each litre. The third-generation 7.0 AT delivers about 49.3 hp per litre. In the fourth generation, the 4.9 MT and 4.9 AT deliver about 45.1 hp per litre, compared with about 40.1 hp per litre for the 6.6 AT.
Dimensions, weight and tank capacity
Overall length, width, height, wheelbase, gross weight, and wheel sizes are not measured for the listed versions.
First-generation kerb weight ranges from 1,730 kg for the 3.7 MT and 3.7 AT to 1,788 kg for the 4.8 and 5.8 versions. Ground clearance is 140 mm, while tank capacity is not measured. The 5.8 MT and 5.8 AT carry about 6.0 kg per horsepower, compared with about 11.9 kg per horsepower for the 3.7 pair.
Among the shown second-generation versions, kerb weight ranges from 1,773 kg for the 3.7 AT to 1,840 kg for the 5.8, 6.4, and 6.6 versions. Ground clearance is 140 mm and tank capacity is 76 litres. The 6.6 MT with 411 hp has about 4.5 kg per horsepower; the 6.6 MT with 390 hp has about 4.7 kg per horsepower, and the 6.4 MT has about 4.5 kg per horsepower.
Third-generation kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity, and wheel sizes are not measured for either version.
Fourth-generation kerb weights run from 1,745 kg for the 152 hp 3.9 MT and 3.9 AT to 1,877 kg for the 6.6 AT. Ground clearance is 130 mm and tank capacity is 95 litres. The 5.8 MT and 243 hp 5.8 AT each carry about 7.5 kg per horsepower, compared with about 7.1 kg per horsepower for the 6.4 MT, 6.4 AT, and 6.6 AT. Gross weight and wheel sizes are not measured.
Problems and reliability data
Problems, repair frequency, component life, and reliability ratings are not measured in the supplied data. The specifications therefore cannot support a claim that one engine, gearbox, or generation is more reliable than another. A buying decision based on reliability requires evidence outside this catalogue, while the comparison here can only rank the versions by their recorded mechanical and performance figures.
Which Ford Galaxie (USA) version to buy
Choose the second-generation 6.6 MT with 411 hp when maximum listed output matters. It has 607 Nm, a 4-speed Manual gearbox, and about 4.5 kg per horsepower. The second-generation 6.4 MT is the close alternative: it gives up only 4 hp, weighs the same 1,840 kg, and has the better calculated specific output at about 63.8 hp per litre.
Choose the third-generation 7.0 AT when documented road performance matters more than power-to-weight estimates. It is the only version with measured acceleration and speed, pairing 345 hp and 626 Nm with 7.8 seconds to 100 km/h and 196 km/h. Its consumption, kerb weight, tank capacity, and ground clearance remain not measured.
For a fourth-generation Coupe Hardtop, the 6.6 AT provides the highest output and torque at 264 hp and 542 Nm. However, the 6.4 AT is only 6 hp and 32 Nm behind while weighing 7 kg less. Buyers preferring Manual can select the 6.4 MT, which matches the 6.4 AT at 258 hp and 510 Nm.
For the lightest listed choice, the first-generation 3.7 MT and 3.7 AT weigh 1,730 kg, while the lightest shown fourth-generation entries are the 152 hp 3.9 MT and 3.9 AT at 1,745 kg. If stronger output is the priority without moving to the largest fourth-generation engine, the 4.9 MT and 4.9 AT provide 223 hp and 407 Nm at 1,763 kg.
There are no prices or sale listings in the data, so “extra money” cannot be quantified. What a step upward buys can be stated mechanically: within the fourth generation, moving from the 152 hp 3.9 specification to the 4.9 MT or 4.9 AT adds 71 hp and 90 Nm while adding 18 kg; moving from the 4.9 specification to the 258 hp 6.4 specification adds 35 hp and 103 Nm while adding 107 kg. Those trade-offs make the 4.9 versions the numerical middle ground, the 6.4 versions the stronger Manual-or-Automatic choice, and the 6.6 AT the highest-output fourth-generation option.