Ford Escort MK3 & MK4 2-door Polycarbonate Windows

The Ford Escort had already cemented itself as a rallying icon by the time the Mk3 and Mk4 models arrived in the 1980s. The rear-wheel-drive Mk1 and Mk2 had dominated rally stages around the world, setting the benchmark for what a fast, lightweight rally car should be. But when the Mk3 launched in 1980, it marked a massive shift in how the Escort, and Ford, approached performance cars. The biggest change? The Escort had gone front-wheel-drive.
At the time, the shift from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive was a controversial one. The Mk3 Escort was a completely different beast from its predecessors. Built on an all-new platform, it featured a transverse engine layout, MacPherson strut front suspension, and a lighter, more aerodynamic body. While Ford initially positioned it as a more fuel-efficient and practical hatchback, they weren’t about to give up on the Escort’s motorsport pedigree.
In 1981, Ford introduced the Escort XR3, the first true performance version of the Mk3. With its 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, sporty styling, and stiffer suspension, it was a proper hot hatch for the time. But it wasn’t until 1983, with the arrival of the XR3i and the turbocharged Escort RS1600i, that things got really interesting. These models packed more power, sharper handling, and a much more aggressive attitude, proving that front-wheel drive could still deliver thrilling performance.
Despite the fundamental drivetrain change, the Mk3 Escort still found its way into rallying, particularly in Group A competition. It was no longer a sideways-drifting RWD monster, but in the right hands, it was still a capable machine. The RS1600i became a popular choice for privateer teams, thanks to its lightweight design, strong power output, and improved suspension geometry that made it surprisingly quick on tarmac rally stages.
Then, in 1985, Ford unveiled the Escort RS Turbo, a car that brought forced induction to the Escort lineup. With a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder pushing out around 132 horsepower, it was a seriously fast hot hatch for the era. The RS Turbo wasn’t just quick in a straight line, it handled exceptionally well for a front-wheel-drive car, with upgraded brakes, a limited-slip differential, and a stiffer chassis making it one of the most engaging cars of its time.
By 1986, the Mk4 Escort arrived, refining the formula introduced by the Mk3. While it looked similar to its predecessor, it featured a smoother, more aerodynamic design, an improved chassis, and better handling dynamics. The RS Turbo was carried over, but the biggest game-changer was the Escort RS Cosworth, introduced in 1992. Though technically based on the Mk5 platform, the RS Cosworth was developed using the bones of the Mk4, and it brought the Escort back to rally-winning glory with its turbocharged power and all-wheel-drive system.
The Mk3 and Mk4 Escorts might not have had the same sideways, rear-wheel-drive drama as their predecessors, but they were hugely important in shaping the future of rallying and performance hatchbacks. They proved that front-wheel-drive could be fun, fast, and competitive, and they paved the way for hot hatches that followed, like the Focus RS and modern ST models.
Even today, the XR3i, RS1600i, and RS Turbo models remain highly collectible, appreciated for their sharp handling, turbocharged punch, and nostalgic 1980s styling. They might not have been the most dominant rally cars of their era, but they represented a new generation of performance cars, showing that even with front-wheel drive, the Escort could still put up one hell of a fight.