Skoda Favorit

vs

Skoda Fabia RS

Czechoslovakia vs Czech Republic — 1987 vs 2003

Skoda Favorit (1987)
Skoda Fabia RS (2003)
Specifications
Favorit 136 LFabia RS vRS 1.9 TDI
Horsepower63 hp130 hp
Torque74 lb-ft229 lb-ft
Engine Size1,289 cc1,896 cc
0-60 mph15.0 sec9.0 sec
Top Speed95 mph127 mph
¼ Mile19.5 sec17.0 sec
Weight2,028 lbs2,668 lbs
Wheelbase2,450 mm2,462 mm
Length3,995 mm3,975 mm
Units Produced783,167
Value (Excellent)$10,000$18,000
Collectibility5/104/10
Rarity5/105/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1987 Skoda Favorit 136 L brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 2003 Skoda Fabia RS vRS 1.9 TDI answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Skoda has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1987 Skoda Favorit 136 L with the 2003 Skoda Fabia RS vRS 1.9 TDI highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2003 Skoda Fabia RS vRS 1.9 TDI holds a clear advantage in raw power with 130 hp compared to 63 hp, a 67-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Skoda Favorit uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 1,289 cc, while the Skoda Fabia RS relies on a Inline-4 SOHC Turbodiesel with 1,896 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2003 Skoda Fabia RS vRS 1.9 TDI edges ahead at 9.0 seconds versus 15.0 seconds. The Skoda Favorit carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 640 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.