The new Focus RS hatchback is going to redefine the market, just like many of its predecessors did. The RS badge has been used on a number of Ford's over the years and no matter what your budget is, you should be able to find a used one that will do more than satisfy. Here are some of the best choices:
1. Ford Sapphire RS Cosworth
The car was made between 1988 and 1992 and is a fantastic deal when compared with the Sierra Cosworth’s and RS500's from the same time which are far more expensive. It comes with a YB 2.0 L turbo engine just like the Escort Cosworth and was available in RWD before switching to 4WD after a couple of years.
2. Ford Focus RS Mk1
The car was manufactured between 2002 and 2003 and has 212 hp, a standard limited slip differential and can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. It looks like a true rally car. It certainly is the most entertaining FWD from its generation. It offers tremendous raw driving appeal and even though not everyone supported its torque steer, a lot of them are still around.
3. Ford RS200
This mid rally monster was produced between 1984 and 1986. It was relegated to the sidelines after competing for just one year since Group B class got scrapped. The unique Ghia styling it had was completely different from any other car in rallies as well as all other cars from Ford. The Cosworth turbo engine pumps 250 hp for road cars and the Evolution models comes with an alarming 600+ hp. That's probably why it demands such a high asking price today.
4. Ford Fiesta RS1800
The RS1800 came on the scene in 1992 and stayed until 1997. It is the biggest bargain in this list and comes with a 1.8 L Zetec engine with 130 hp. It was the successor of the Fiesta RS Turbo and could go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. It also had a tweaked suspension, Recaro seats and a lairy bodykit which gave all boy racers enough to be hot and bothered. There aren't more than a few thousand around which survived the early years of manufacture and finding one today can be a little difficult. But it will be well worth it for sure because of its low price.
5. Ford Escort RS1600
The last entry on this list was built between 1970 and 1974 and pumped out 120 hp from the road cars. The competition specials were able to pump out 200+ hp though. All of the examples had been built and seam welded completely for additional strength.
They were all manufactured by Advanced Vehicle Operations at Ford and all ran on the legendary BDA twin cam engine from Cosworth. It should not be confused with the RS2000 which is cheaper and much simpler. They may look similar but they are simply not. If you're willing to cough up the money for this legend, you need to make sure you're getting the real deal.