Thats it mate, you have to go and drive both and find out for your self.
Let us know how you get on and why you picked the model you did.

Cheers.

An AU has heavier steering than an EA-ED and a BA has heavier steering than an Au. If you went from EA-ED and straight into a B series it would seem unnaturally heavy.

I have an EL with a steering pump on the way out. But i havnt replaced it because i like the weighty feel. Dads BA is fairly close in terms of feel, but the car feels much bigger. I love the car, i think i just need to drive an AU.

As an opinion, and having driven too many examples of each to count, that's BULL S__T!! I honestly struggle to see how you can possibly say that??

Of course, that is just my opinion against yours, but it was my #1 pet hate of all AU's that I drove. The steering was so bloody light that it felt like the steering wheel was not even connected to front end. The EB/ED's that I've owned were streets in front of the AU. I think it has something to do with the bus style steering wheel and the 48 turns lock to lock in the AU.

I reckon the chassis is more neutral in the AU, but other than that, I see absolutely no reason you'd go for the AU over the BA.

Pound for pound, IMO the BA is a an immeasurably better drivers car for sheer enjoyment.

If you can find a BA 'mont with premium sound for the colour screen, I'd go for it, otherwise, spend a little more and get a BA Ghia if you can stretch the peso's!!

What ever you get tho, get the best condition you can in your price range. It'll make you happier than getting something guccier in ordinary condition for the same money in the long term.

Same 2.5 turns lock to lock across all rack and pinion equipped falcons. Similar sized steering wheels as well.

i used to drive my BA to work(and everywhere else) then spend all day driving an AU, and the AU seats were less comfy, interior looked cheaper, but more importantly, i always found that turning into a car bay with the same angle i was used to making easily in a BA resulted in needing a 3 point turn in the AU.
I had to pre think my entry into a car bay, and usually this involved going right to the other lane to make it into the bay..

My BA had quite light steering, while the XT the folks have is a bit heavier, but i wouldn't pass up the car on that basis alone..

but in the end, it depends on what you'd be happier seeing in the driveway everyday, and be happier piloting down the highway each day.

as was said tho, good condition would be enough to win the war in the end..

An AU with some GOOD Bushes up front and a well bushed IRS will out handle a B Series anyday. The AU is a much more enjoyable drive.

Well, that is interesting.....and wrong.

3.1 turns lock to lock on the AU.

2.75 turns lock to lock on the BA.

And please, place an AU steering wheel (as found on most ancient war ships) vs a BA wheel. You may see a remarkable difference in diameter??

I recently drove a 1998 AU Fairmont Ghia. My previous car was a 1998 EL Futura sedan. Last week when I drove the AU, it had that "crude" feel of the EL (Noise-Vibration-Harshness type thing). Mind you, a 2002 AUIII may be streets ahead?
Go for the BA though if it's in good condition, in my humble opinion.