The Ford Escort RS Cosworth - Part 6

Everyday life with a Ford Escort RS Cosworth

The Escort Cosworth (and Sierra) are really easy cars to live with. Not many problems, that I know of, have been reported about them. One or two small defects were present on the first series of cars (pre-1994) and most are covered by the Ford warranty. For instance the front suspension bushes were undersized and this lead to excessive front tire wear (the inner part of the tire was used more than the outer). The gearbox synchromeshes for third and fourth gears were not correctly sized either. This lead to difficult gear switching in high rev situations (almost all the time). I have heard rumors saying that valve guides should be replaced after 80,000Km (expensive US 2,000+) although I haven't experienced that yet (my car has covered 48,000Km thus far).

All in all these cars are much less troublesome than the Lancia Delta Integrale is. If you are able to still find one, especially one in good condition, and have the cash do not hesitate. You could consider buying one as an investment although it would be a pity not to drive it from time to time. The Escort RS Cosworth is a car made for car loving persons.

The street version's cutaway

More pictures are available here. You'll find detail pictures of the Ford Escort RS Cosworth's architecture starting here.