UK vs UK — 1992 vs 1970
| Escort RS Cosworth | Escort Mk1 RS1600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 227 hp | 120 hp |
| Torque | 224 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 1,993 cc | 1,601 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.7 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 141 mph | — |
| ¼ Mile | 14.0 sec | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,553 mm | 2,400 mm |
| Length | 4,254 mm | 3,970 mm |
| Units Produced | 7,145 | 1,120 |
| Value (Excellent) | $120,000 | $200,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth brings more power, better value to the table, and the 1970 Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600 answers with greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Ford Escort RS Cosworth. The 1992 and 1970 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth holds a clear advantage in raw power with 227 hp compared to 120 hp, a 107-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Escort RS Cosworth uses a Inline-4 Turbo DOHC 16V displacing 1,993 cc, while the Ford Escort relies on a Inline-4 with 1,601 cc. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,120 units built, the 1970 Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600 is considerably scarcer than the Ford Escort RS Cosworth's 7,145 examples.