Ford Escort RS Cosworth
The whale-tailed homologation hero that brought Group A fire to the street.
- Power
- 227 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 5.7 s
- Top speed
- 144 mph
- Est. value
- $55k–$140k
About the Ford Escort RS Cosworth
Developed to homologate Ford's entry for the World Rally Championship, the Escort RS Cosworth is a mechanical hybrid, mating a shortened Sierra RS Cosworth 4x4 floorpan to a modified Escort bodyshell. The 1993 'Big Turbo' models are the most sought-after by collectors, featuring the Garrett T3/T04B hybrid turbocharger which, despite significant lag, offers immense tuning potential. It is instantly recognisable by its massive 'whale-tail' rear spoiler, which was functional and provided genuine high-speed downforce. While it never won a WRC title, its combination of raw turbo power and sure-footed four-wheel drive made it a giant-killer on the road and a definitive 1990s performance icon.
Ford Escort RS Cosworth specs
The Ford Escort RS Cosworth produces 227 bhp (169 kW) and 304 Nm (224 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 144 mph (232 km/h).
| Make | Ford |
|---|---|
| Model | Escort RS Cosworth |
| Trim | Escort RS Cosworth |
| Years | 1992–1996 |
| Type | Sports car |
| Body style | Hatchback |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 7,145 built |
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,993 cc (2.0 litres) |
| Induction | Turbocharged |
| Power | 227 bhp (169 kW) at 6,250 rpm |
| Torque | 304 Nm (224 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 5.7 s |
| Top speed | 144 mph (232 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Four-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,275 kg (2,811 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 178 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Ford Escort RS Cosworth worth?
A typical Ford Escort RS Cosworth is estimated to be worth $55,000 – $140,000 (about £41,000 – £104,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Ford Escort RS Cosworth rarity in CarSpot
The Ford Escort RS Cosworth is an Epic card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 63 out of 100. Supercars and serious performance cars, typically worth around £100,000 to £250,000. An Epic card is worth 80 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Ford Escort RS Cosworth fun facts
- The first 2,500 cars included a water-injection system under the rear seat to satisfy FIA Group A rules, though it was left non-functional on the road cars.
- It was the first mass-production car to produce genuine aerodynamic downforce at both the front and the rear.
- The car was actually built by Karmann in Germany because the standard Ford production lines could not accommodate the longitudinal engine layout.
