Reliving the 80s: why the ford escort turbo still holds a special place

A nostalgic craving for 80s performance

There's a distinct longing for the sports cars of the 1980s, and it's not just nostalgia. It was an era where driving enjoyment wasn't sacrificed at the altar of fuel economy or complex driver aids. Cars like the Ford Escort Turbo offered a raw, visceral experience – a mere 130 horsepower from an engine weighing under 1,000 kilograms. The 80s were defined by iconic music, cultural trends, and exhilarating motorsport, all fueled by the spirit of speed and innovation.

The cultural landscape of the 1980s

The decade was a vibrant mix of iconic music (Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, Queen), fashion (leather jackets and Lois jeans), and significant events (Maradona's World Cup triumph). Alongside the fun, there were challenges like unemployment and social unrest, particularly in the UK, and pressing health concerns. Yet, the Automotive scene thrived, filled with accessible sports cars boasting impressive power-to-weight ratios.

Enter the ford escort rs turbo: a rally-inspired gem

Ford capitalized on its successes in rallying to create a more performance-oriented version of the Escort. The Ford Escort RS Turbo, launched in 1984, was a lightweight, fun, and effective car that delivered a thrilling driving experience. Its rally-inspired aesthetics and aggressive styling quickly captured the hearts of enthusiasts. The car projected a racing essence that resonates even today.

The first Ford Escort RS Turbo featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine producing 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Coupled with a five-speed manual transmission and a remarkably low weight of just 977 kg, it offered an impressive power-to-weight ratio. Features like a Garrett AiResearch T3 turbocharger, a special camshaft, and Bosch electronic fuel injection contributed to its lively character, earning it the nickname “a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

Performance and consumption

The Escort RS Turbo could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 km/h – respectable figures for the time. While not the fastest in its class, its raw, unfiltered driving experience made it incredibly rewarding. A downside was the fuel consumption, averaging 12-13 liters in the city and 9-10 liters on the highway, but easily exceeding 15 liters with spirited driving.

The second generation and legacy

The initial Escort RS Turbo had a brief run, lasting only two years. The second generation, based on the Escort Mk IV, arrived in 1986, retaining the aggressive six-spoke wheels and adding functional air intakes and auxiliary headlights. Production initially targeted 5,000 units for homologation but demand quickly surpassed that. Today, a well-maintained example can be found for around €11,000 - €12,000, a testament to its enduring appeal and the allure of 80s performance.