The Ford Escort Cosworth was based on the two door, front wheel drive MK5 Escort shell.

The Cosworth YBT engine was based on the Sierra Sapphire 4WD Cosworth unit.

• Bore 90.8 mm stroke 77mm
• Compression ratio 8:1
• Weber-Marelli electroinc fuel and engine management system
• Garrett T3/T04 turbocharger factory set at 0.8 bar boost pressure.
• Max power 227bhp at 6250 rpm with max torque 220 lb.ft at 3500 rpm.

The engine was mounted longitudinally in the Mark V shell, compared to the MK5 RS2000 which was mounted transversely.

The engine ran on Unleaded Fuel and used a catalytic converter on the exhaust system. This restricted the exhaust system flow considerably. The engines were green to indicate an Unleaded fuel version. After August 1994 various engine revisions were made which included a smaller turbocharger and revised ECU mappings. This was to increase the driveability of the car but reduces tuneability of the engine. The large turbo versions can blow and retain higher boost levels further up the rev range, but with standard boost the engine can suffer from turbo lag.

The 2 door shell needed extensive modifications to use the larger Cosworth engine and transmission.

Permanent four wheel drive with 34/66% front/rear power split 5 Speed MT-75 manual five speed gearbox.

Independent front and rear Fichtel and Sachs gas telescopic dampers with 28 mm front anti-roll bar and 22mm rear. Power assisted rack and pinion steering with 2.45 runs lock to lock. Both front and rear brake disks were employed the front brakes using single pot items of a similar design to those fitted to the MK4 Escort Series 2 Turbo.

The rear tail gate featured a large double whale tail spoiler, bringing back memories of the Sierra 3 door Cosworth. The Escort was later available with a smaller rear spoiler which was necessary for type approval in countries such as Switzerland.

Front Recaro bucket seats, with adjustable head restraints were used. Leather being an optional extra. Later a limited edition was available named The Monte Carlo.

Tilt and Slide FFSR (Factory Fitted Sun Roof), Electric windows and mirrors, Central Locking, and Tinted Glass, were all standard equipment.

The Escort Cosworth was produced until 1995, when another affordable super car went the way of the dinosaurs!

Condition       Excellent   Good    Average

Sterling         23000     17000    15000

As with the RS Turbo prices have increased in 1997 and 1998.

Note: The FORD Escort Cosworth was produced on J to N-registration plates in the UK, with late registered vehicles on P and R-registrations.

For further details see Vehicle Registration Plate Guide.

NOTE: For turbo longevity it is recommended that the Escort Cosworth along with all other turbocharged RS models run with fully synthetic oil. These types of oil give the necessary engine protection for the high temperatures attained in turbocharged vehicles. The following viscosity synthetic oils are recommended: 5w50, 10w40, 15w50, 10w60.

The Escort Cosworth was based on the 3 door Ford Escort of the time. Further details of which can be found in the Ford Escort 1991 Workshop manual.