Sweden vs UK — 1978 vs 1984
| 99 Turbo | RS200 Evolution | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 145 hp | 350 hp |
| Torque | 173 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 1,985 cc | 1,803 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.3 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 124 mph | — |
| ¼ Mile | 16.3 sec | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,470 mm | 2,440 mm |
| Length | 4,384 mm | 4,000 mm |
| Units Produced | 10,607 | 24 |
| Value (Excellent) | $35,000 | $800,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1978 Saab 99 Turbo brings better value to the table, and the 1984 Ford RS200 Evolution answers with more power, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Sweden and UK automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1978 Saab 99 Turbo versus 1984 Ford RS200 Evolution is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1984 Ford RS200 Evolution holds a clear advantage in raw power with 350 hp compared to 145 hp, a 205-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Saab 99 uses a Inline-4 SOHC 8V Turbocharged displacing 1,985 cc, while the Ford RS200 relies on a Inline-4 with 1,803 cc. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 24 units built, the 1984 Ford RS200 Evolution is considerably scarcer than the Saab 99's 10,607 examples. On the collector market, the 1984 Ford RS200 Evolution commands a significant premium over the 1978 Saab 99 Turbo, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.