Ford Escort RS Turbo Mk4
The definitive 1980s working-class hero with a Garrett T3 kick.
- Power
- 132 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 8.2 s
- Top speed
- 128 mph
- Est. value
- $15k–$48k
About the Ford Escort RS Turbo Mk4
The Mk4 Escort RS Turbo, often called the Series 2, refined the raw formula of its homologation-special predecessor into a more usable road car. While the Mk3 was a limited-run white-only special, the Mk4 was a full production model featuring a water-cooled Garrett T3 turbocharger and a revised suspension setup to improve ride quality. It remains famous for its viscous-coupled limited-slip differential—a rarity for front-wheel-drive cars of the era—which helped manage the 'turbo kick' typical of 1980s CVH engines. Today, it is a blue-chip fast Ford, prized for its 'sawblade' alloy wheels and quintessential 1980s aesthetic.
Ford Escort RS Turbo Mk4 specs
The Ford Escort RS Turbo Mk4 produces 132 bhp (98 kW) and 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 8.2 seconds and has a top speed of 128 mph (206 km/h).
| Make | Ford |
|---|---|
| Model | Escort RS Turbo |
| Generation | Mk4 |
| Trim | 1.6 |
| Years | 1986–1990 |
| Type | Hatchback |
| Body style | Hatchback |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 16,000 built |
| Engine | 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,597 cc (1.6 litres) |
| Induction | Turbocharged |
| Power | 132 bhp (98 kW) at 5,750 rpm |
| Torque | 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 8.2 s |
| Top speed | 128 mph (206 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 965 kg (2,127 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 137 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 Turbo Mk4 worth?
A typical Ford Escort RS Turbo Mk4 is estimated to be worth $15,000 – $48,000 (about £11,000 – £36,000).
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 Turbo Mk4 rarity in CarSpot
The Ford Escort RS Turbo Mk4 is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 31 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 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 Turbo Mk4 fun facts
- The Mk4 RS Turbo was the first front-wheel-drive car in the world to be fitted with a viscous-coupled limited-slip differential as standard.
- While the Series 1 was only available in Diamond White, the Series 2 introduced a range of colours including Mercury Grey, Radiant Red, and Black.
- Princess Diana famously owned a unique black Series 1 RS Turbo, but the Series 2 became the high-volume icon of the UK's 'Max Power' tuning era.
