Your Toyota companion for all ownership needs
Guide

Ford Fiesta Rs Turbo Vs Xr2i

What To Know

  • The XR2i was launched in 1989, and it was a more affordable alternative to the RS Turbo.
  • On the track, the RS Turbo would typically beat the XR2i in a straight line, but the XR2i would often make up for it in the corners.
  • However, if you’re on a budget or you prefer a car that’s more fun to drive on a twisty road, the XR2i is the better choice.

The Ford Fiesta RS Turbo and XR2i are two of the most iconic hot hatches of the 1980s. Both cars were based on the popular Fiesta supermini, but they were given more powerful engines, stiffer suspensions, and sportier styling to create two of the most exciting cars of their era.

History

The Fiesta RS Turbo was launched in 1984, and it was an instant hit. The car was powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that produced 132 horsepower. This gave the RS Turbo a top speed of 124 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds.

The XR2i was launched in 1989, and it was a more affordable alternative to the RS Turbo. The XR2i was powered by a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine that produced 105 horsepower. This gave the XR2i a top speed of 112 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 8.9 seconds.

Performance

The RS Turbo was the faster of the two cars, but the XR2i was no slouch. The RS Turbo’s turbocharged engine gave it more power and torque, but the XR2i’s lighter weight made it more agile.

On the track, the RS Turbo would typically beat the XR2i in a straight line, but the XR2i would often make up for it in the corners. The XR2i’s stiffer suspension and more precise handling made it a more rewarding car to drive on a twisty road.

Styling

The RS Turbo and XR2i were both given sportier styling than the standard Fiesta. The RS Turbo had a more aggressive front bumper, a rear spoiler, and wider wheel arches. The XR2i had a more subtle body kit, but it still looked more sporty than the standard car.

Interior

The RS Turbo and XR2i had similar interiors to the standard Fiesta. However, the RS Turbo had some unique features, such as Recaro sports seats and a boost gauge. The XR2i had more standard features than the RS Turbo, but it didn’t have the same level of performance.

Price

The RS Turbo was more expensive than the XR2i when it was new. However, the RS Turbo has become more valuable in recent years, and it is now worth more than the XR2i.

Which One is Right for You?

The RS Turbo and XR2i are both great cars, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The RS Turbo is faster and more powerful, but the XR2i is more affordable and more agile.

If you’re looking for a fast and exciting hot hatch, the RS Turbo is the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget or you prefer a car that’s more fun to drive on a twisty road, the XR2i is the better choice.

Engine and Performance

The Ford Fiesta RS Turbo was powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produced 132 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. The XR2i was powered by a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine that produced 105 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque.

The RS Turbo‘s turbocharged engine gave it a significant advantage in terms of power and torque. This allowed the RS Turbo to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, while the XR2i took 8.9 seconds. The RS Turbo also had a higher top speed of 124 mph, compared to the XR2i’s 112 mph.

Handling and Suspension

The Ford Fiesta RS Turbo and XR2i both had stiffer suspensions than the standard Fiesta. However, the RS Turbo’s suspension was even stiffer, which gave it better handling and cornering ability. The RS Turbo also had a limited-slip differential, which helped to improve traction.

The XR2i’s suspension was more comfortable than the RS Turbo‘s, but it still provided good handling and cornering ability. The XR2i also had a lighter weight than the RS Turbo, which made it more agile.

Brakes and Tires

The Ford Fiesta RS Turbo and XR2i both had four-wheel disc brakes. The RS Turbo’s brakes were larger and more powerful than the XR2i’s, which gave it better stopping power.

The RS Turbo came standard with 15-inch alloy wheels and 195/50R15 tires. The XR2i came standard with 14-inch alloy wheels and 185/60R14 tires. The RS Turbo’s larger wheels and tires gave it better grip and handling.

Interior and Features

The Ford Fiesta RS Turbo and XR2i had similar interiors to the standard Fiesta. However, the RS Turbo had some unique features, such as Recaro sports seats, a boost gauge, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The XR2i had more standard features than the RS Turbo, but it didn’t have the same level of performance.

Exterior and Styling

The Ford Fiesta RS Turbo and XR2i both had sportier styling than the standard Fiesta. The RS Turbo had a more aggressive front bumper, a rear spoiler, and wider wheel arches. The XR2i had a more subtle body kit, but it still looked more sporty than the standard car.

Value and Collectibility

The Ford Fiesta RS Turbo is now a highly collectible car. Values have been rising in recent years, and the RS Turbo is now worth more than the XR2i. The XR2i is still a popular car, but it is not as valuable as the RS Turbo.

The Verdict

The Ford Fiesta RS Turbo and XR2i are both great cars, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The RS Turbo is faster and more powerful, but the XR2i is more affordable and more agile.

If you’re looking for a fast and exciting hot hatch, the RS Turbo is the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget or you prefer a car that’s more fun to drive on a twisty road, the XR2i is the better choice.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Which car is faster, the RS Turbo or the XR2i?
A: The RS Turbo is faster than the XR2i. The RS Turbo has a more powerful engine and a stiffer suspension, which gives it better acceleration and handling.

Q: Which car is more affordable, the RS Turbo or the XR2i?
A: The XR2i is more affordable than the RS Turbo. The XR2i has a lower purchase price and lower insurance costs.

Q: Which car is more fun to drive, the RS Turbo or the XR2i?
A: The RS Turbo is more fun to drive on a straight line, but the XR2i is more fun to drive on a twisty road. The XR2i is more agile and has a more comfortable suspension.

Was this page helpful?
Back to top button