XR2s/XR3is in the 90s.
Discussion
Always loved the XRs'
Ultimately though they're nowhere near more modern hatches. I did a trackday in my old Clio 172 (phase 1) track car and there were a load of blokes in XR2 and 3 race cars who the bloke said "you race lads pass sensibly" to and not one passed me all day. The Clio was far quicker.
Ultimately though they're nowhere near more modern hatches. I did a trackday in my old Clio 172 (phase 1) track car and there were a load of blokes in XR2 and 3 race cars who the bloke said "you race lads pass sensibly" to and not one passed me all day. The Clio was far quicker.
LaurasOtherHalf said:
This may sound strange now....
But, there was a time in the early to mid ninties when this sort of thing was a status symbol. Regardless of whether you think they are any good (they genuinely were no matter how snobby folk get about them), if you could afford one you were doing alright.
I started off in the early nineties at 17 with a Nova SR, but switched to fords and a string of XR2, XR2i, RS Turbos (both fiesta and escort) and as enjoyable as they were (in that fine tradition of reasonably quick souped up hatches) at 20, to be driving anRS Turbo with its associated costs meant you were doing alright.
No I caveat that with the fact that me and my mates were northern, educated to GCSE standard at best and from either well off working class or aspiring middle class.
Simpler times I'm sure, but an XR2 and a pair of Armani Jeans did wonders with the local female population. Probably no different to a young lad now in an S Line Audi and a Stone Island Jacket.
Not of any concern for those studying at university then or now I suppose but back then for us apprentices they were something to aspire to.
You really nailed it with that, well said.But, there was a time in the early to mid ninties when this sort of thing was a status symbol. Regardless of whether you think they are any good (they genuinely were no matter how snobby folk get about them), if you could afford one you were doing alright.
I started off in the early nineties at 17 with a Nova SR, but switched to fords and a string of XR2, XR2i, RS Turbos (both fiesta and escort) and as enjoyable as they were (in that fine tradition of reasonably quick souped up hatches) at 20, to be driving anRS Turbo with its associated costs meant you were doing alright.
No I caveat that with the fact that me and my mates were northern, educated to GCSE standard at best and from either well off working class or aspiring middle class.
Simpler times I'm sure, but an XR2 and a pair of Armani Jeans did wonders with the local female population. Probably no different to a young lad now in an S Line Audi and a Stone Island Jacket.
Not of any concern for those studying at university then or now I suppose but back then for us apprentices they were something to aspire to.
Back in 93 the only thing keeping up with my 2L Nova was my mates rs turbo engines mrk2 xr2. I was a third year apprentice at the time.
Happy days, and to touch on your point about the ladies i totally agree. You could go a long way with a pair of Armani, a Diesel jacket and a grand folding in your back pocket
Brett748 said:
Always loved the XRs'
Ultimately though they're nowhere near more modern hatches. I did a trackday in my old Clio 172 (phase 1) track car and there were a load of blokes in XR2 and 3 race cars who the bloke said "you race lads pass sensibly" to and not one passed me all day. The Clio was far quicker.
Oh yeah, things have moved on hugely. Ultimately though they're nowhere near more modern hatches. I did a trackday in my old Clio 172 (phase 1) track car and there were a load of blokes in XR2 and 3 race cars who the bloke said "you race lads pass sensibly" to and not one passed me all day. The Clio was far quicker.
My XR2 was described in ads as having "ultra low profile tyres".
My van has lower profile tyres now.
I bought a brand new XR2 in 1989. it was and still is the best car I have owned despite having many different cars since then including several BMWs. I have never smiled so much since picking up a new car from a dealer.
It was black had blue seats, luxuries included a heated rear window, a wash wipe, a radio cassette and a sunroof. it went pretty well for the time i think it had 96bhp but weighed about 800kg and i would have it back in a heartbeat.
unfortunately it was stolen, stripped and written off after 3 years of ownership and I was devastated as in my ownership it never missed a beat.
I think they were great cars, great fun and cheap to run. I really don't know why they are much maligned these days.
It was black had blue seats, luxuries included a heated rear window, a wash wipe, a radio cassette and a sunroof. it went pretty well for the time i think it had 96bhp but weighed about 800kg and i would have it back in a heartbeat.
unfortunately it was stolen, stripped and written off after 3 years of ownership and I was devastated as in my ownership it never missed a beat.
I think they were great cars, great fun and cheap to run. I really don't know why they are much maligned these days.
Brett748 said:
Always loved the XRs'
Ultimately though they're nowhere near more modern hatches. I did a trackday in my old Clio 172 (phase 1) track car and there were a load of blokes in XR2 and 3 race cars who the bloke said "you race lads pass sensibly" to and not one passed me all day. The Clio was far quicker.
Well of course they are nothing near more modern hatches - would your Clio 172 keep up with a current Fiesta ST - I doubt it! Ultimately though they're nowhere near more modern hatches. I did a trackday in my old Clio 172 (phase 1) track car and there were a load of blokes in XR2 and 3 race cars who the bloke said "you race lads pass sensibly" to and not one passed me all day. The Clio was far quicker.
The XR2s and XR3s were early 80s cars so have to be judged in that era.
I liked them, but after a MKII Escort RS2000 I didn't want scrabbly FWD so I bought a Capri Injection in 1982!
Now I have a BMW 325ti Compact as a daily and it so much better (and quicker) than my Capri Injection - coincidentally they came out in 2001, as did Clio 172s. I know which I would rather have!
rufusgti said:
your average car these days is a fantastic piece of kit. My dads cars were so incredibly boring and dull compared to the metallic blue hot hatches that suddenly started hooning round.
I'll agree with the second part of what you said above, but the first part I can't. In what way are they a fantastic piece of kit, cos they have so much electrickery with them now they can reverse park them themselves and have a rear camera?! I can't see it I'm afriad, but then I'm not really a fan of modern cars AT ALL! Ther mere thought of signing a PCP plan for one fills me with nausea.
Everytime I see that Toyota CHR ad on the tele I want to lob something at it, feckin' hideous thing.
Sorry, but wtf?
XR2. Yes, my mate had one in the early 90s, F reg, in black. Very nice it was too ...
I remember my old man getting a white XR3i as a company car in 1987. Despite being what many of my teenage friends at the time considered a 'cool' car, the one thing he couldn't stand about it was people trying to race him in it.
It's not like it was a proper sports car after all
He swapped it with a younger colleagues Orion 1.6i ghia which was obviously a more civilised car despite being pretty much indentical!
It's not like it was a proper sports car after all
He swapped it with a younger colleagues Orion 1.6i ghia which was obviously a more civilised car despite being pretty much indentical!
littlebasher said:
He swapped it with a younger colleagues Orion 1.6i ghia which was obviously a more civilised car despite being pretty much indentical!
I had a Black Orion Ghia, absolutely loved it! Pearlescent white wheel covers. I remember being told at the time that the Orion was quicker than it's hatchbatch equivalent?From what I can remember, it went a bit like this:
MkIII Escort XR3
Carburettor-fed version of the XR3i. Not as well regarded as its fuel injected brethren, cheaper to buy. Very much a poor man's XR3i, no matter how much your mate Kev tried to convince you that the XR3 had better throttle response.
MkIII Escort XR3i
The boy-racer car to have in the 1980s. Young petrolheads loved them. Older, more sensible people thought they were piles of crap. This only made the youngsters love them more.
MkIII Escort RS1600i
Seen as a cut above the boy-racer XR3i, and highly sought after at the time, especially in white with blue vinyls. Something of a modern classic these days.
MkIII Escort RS Turbo
Only the most discerning Essex boys knocked around in these. Seen as being the last word in canine undercarriage to most blokes under 25. The rest of the world (including the motoring press) were slightly lukewarm about the whole thing.
MkIV Escort XR3i
Starting to look (and feel) like a tart's handbag. Seemed to be favoured more by women than men. Seen as the "soft option". Probably sold more units than the MkIII, but generally less well regarded.
MkIV Escort RS Turbo
All was forgiven with the RS Turbo. That badge. Those wheels. The whoosh of the turbo. A proper man's car. Or so most blokes under 25 thought. Everyone else rolled their eyes. Including Tracey who worked down Tesco. She was never as impressed with Wayne's RS Turbo as he thought she was.
MkV Escort XR3i/RS2000/all models
The Escort had really gone off the boil by the time the MkV creaked off the production line. Only well regarded in the most hardcore of Ford enthusiast circles. Even blokes under 25 shrugged their shoulders and walked off.
SPECIAL DISPENSATION: MkV Escort RS Cosworth
A shortened version of the Sierra Cosworth, with an Escort body plonked on top. Therefore not strictly a MkV Escort, which means it wasn't crap. It was actually very, very good.
MkIII Escort XR3
Carburettor-fed version of the XR3i. Not as well regarded as its fuel injected brethren, cheaper to buy. Very much a poor man's XR3i, no matter how much your mate Kev tried to convince you that the XR3 had better throttle response.
MkIII Escort XR3i
The boy-racer car to have in the 1980s. Young petrolheads loved them. Older, more sensible people thought they were piles of crap. This only made the youngsters love them more.
MkIII Escort RS1600i
Seen as a cut above the boy-racer XR3i, and highly sought after at the time, especially in white with blue vinyls. Something of a modern classic these days.
MkIII Escort RS Turbo
Only the most discerning Essex boys knocked around in these. Seen as being the last word in canine undercarriage to most blokes under 25. The rest of the world (including the motoring press) were slightly lukewarm about the whole thing.
MkIV Escort XR3i
Starting to look (and feel) like a tart's handbag. Seemed to be favoured more by women than men. Seen as the "soft option". Probably sold more units than the MkIII, but generally less well regarded.
MkIV Escort RS Turbo
All was forgiven with the RS Turbo. That badge. Those wheels. The whoosh of the turbo. A proper man's car. Or so most blokes under 25 thought. Everyone else rolled their eyes. Including Tracey who worked down Tesco. She was never as impressed with Wayne's RS Turbo as he thought she was.
MkV Escort XR3i/RS2000/all models
The Escort had really gone off the boil by the time the MkV creaked off the production line. Only well regarded in the most hardcore of Ford enthusiast circles. Even blokes under 25 shrugged their shoulders and walked off.
SPECIAL DISPENSATION: MkV Escort RS Cosworth
A shortened version of the Sierra Cosworth, with an Escort body plonked on top. Therefore not strictly a MkV Escort, which means it wasn't crap. It was actually very, very good.
MorganP104 said:
From what I can remember, it went a bit like this:
MkIII Escort XR3
Carburettor-fed version of the XR3i. Not as well regarded as its fuel injected brethren, cheaper to buy. Very much a poor man's XR3i, no matter how much your mate Kev tried to convince you that the XR3 had better throttle response.
Nope - XR3 came first, XR3i a year or so laterMkIII Escort XR3
Carburettor-fed version of the XR3i. Not as well regarded as its fuel injected brethren, cheaper to buy. Very much a poor man's XR3i, no matter how much your mate Kev tried to convince you that the XR3 had better throttle response.
MorganP104 said:
MkIII Escort XR3i
The boy-racer car to have in the 1980s. Young petrolheads loved them. Older, more sensible people thought they were piles of crap. This only made the youngsters love them more.
XR3i an evolution of the '3. Different front suspension, different interior and of course the, er, "I"The boy-racer car to have in the 1980s. Young petrolheads loved them. Older, more sensible people thought they were piles of crap. This only made the youngsters love them more.
MorganP104 said:
MkIII Escort RS1600i
Seen as a cut above the boy-racer XR3i, and highly sought after at the time, especially in white with blue vinyls. Something of a modern classic these days.
RS1600i was quite different with different suspension, engine, body trim and interior. Limited run homologation special with sphincter-loosening brakes (in RHD anyway). No blue graphics sorry, either silver or blackSeen as a cut above the boy-racer XR3i, and highly sought after at the time, especially in white with blue vinyls. Something of a modern classic these days.
MorganP104 said:
MkIII Escort RS Turbo
Only the most discerning Essex boys knocked around in these. Seen as being the last word in canine undercarriage to most blokes under 25. The rest of the world (including the motoring press) were slightly lukewarm about the whole thing.
Another homologation special with, again, different suspension, interior, unique bodykit, 130bhp and an LSD. Only built for around 18 months and only available in white. Officially (ref Princess Diana)Only the most discerning Essex boys knocked around in these. Seen as being the last word in canine undercarriage to most blokes under 25. The rest of the world (including the motoring press) were slightly lukewarm about the whole thing.
MorganP104 said:
MkIV Escort XR3i
Starting to look (and feel) like a tart's handbag. Seemed to be favoured more by women than men. Seen as the "soft option". Probably sold more units than the MkIII, but generally less well regarded.
Agreed! Plus, of course available as the ultimate hairdresser convertible.Starting to look (and feel) like a tart's handbag. Seemed to be favoured more by women than men. Seen as the "soft option". Probably sold more units than the MkIII, but generally less well regarded.
MorganP104 said:
MkIV Escort RS Turbo
All was forgiven with the RS Turbo. That badge. Those wheels. The whoosh of the turbo. A proper man's car. Or so most blokes under 25 thought. Everyone else rolled their eyes. Including Tracey who worked down Tesco. She was never as impressed with Wayne's RS Turbo as he thought she was.
Really quite grown-up and much more civilised than the Mk3.All was forgiven with the RS Turbo. That badge. Those wheels. The whoosh of the turbo. A proper man's car. Or so most blokes under 25 thought. Everyone else rolled their eyes. Including Tracey who worked down Tesco. She was never as impressed with Wayne's RS Turbo as he thought she was.
MorganP104 said:
MkV Escort XR3i/RS2000/all models
The Escort had really gone off the boil by the time the MkV creaked off the production line. Only well regarded in the most hardcore of Ford enthusiast circles. Even blokes under 25 shrugged their shoulders and walked off.
The earlier RS2000s were a really good car with a very torque-y, again unique to this model, engine. Also available in 4WD in very limited numbers.The Escort had really gone off the boil by the time the MkV creaked off the production line. Only well regarded in the most hardcore of Ford enthusiast circles. Even blokes under 25 shrugged their shoulders and walked off.
MorganP104 said:
SPECIAL DISPENSATION: MkV Escort RS Cosworth
A shortened version of the Sierra Cosworth, with an Escort body plonked on top. Therefore not strictly a MkV Escort, which means it wasn't crap. It was actually very, very good.
Without question!A shortened version of the Sierra Cosworth, with an Escort body plonked on top. Therefore not strictly a MkV Escort, which means it wasn't crap. It was actually very, very good.
Edited by generationx on Monday 20th February 17:26
So let's do the Fiesta.
Mk1 XR2
First of the line, but not the first XR - that was the Escort in 1980. Little pocket rocket developed from the 1.3 Supersport, with new alloys and stickers, a different interior and over 80 raging horsepower from the revvy, rattly, valve-bouncy overhead valve 1.6 engine. Bodyshell unique to this and the SS due to a bulge in the back panel to accommodate the 185 spare, and round headlights lifted from the US-market. A 4-speed gearbox for that uncomfortable motorway experience, and a hunger for front axle bearings. Great little car.
Mk2 XR2
Development of the Mk1 but now with the gruff CVH OHC engine and, thanks to wider chassis rails, a 5-speed gearbox. The weapon of choice for every junior Dazza, Bazza, Kev etc. Accounted for more than 20% of all Mk2 sales
Mk3 XR2i
Bodykitted Mk3 with the XR3i engine. Unremarkable but popular, this powertrain was starting to show its age
Mk3 RS Turbo
A proper hooligan. The Escort RS Turbo engine/gearbox, new suspension and Recaro seats with the same looks as the XR2i, but with green pin-stripes, snazzy Cosworth-alike bonnet vents and (remember this is the early 90s) 3-spoke alloys
Mk3 XR3i 1800
With the new Zetec 16v 1.8 litre engine this was a bit more grown-up, but against the competition the chassis was starting to fall behind
Mk3 RS1800
More power than it's little XR brother (by a heady 15bhp or so), nicer Recaro interior, 14" 5-spoke wheels reminiscent(sp?) of the RS2000. Quite rare, and should have never been called what it was (also see Mk5 Escort Harrier, Mk2 Focus RS500)
Then a whole bunch of Si, Zetec and all sorts of others which I know little about and frankly can't be arsed to find out. Someone else take up the mantle?
Again,
Mk1 XR2
First of the line, but not the first XR - that was the Escort in 1980. Little pocket rocket developed from the 1.3 Supersport, with new alloys and stickers, a different interior and over 80 raging horsepower from the revvy, rattly, valve-bouncy overhead valve 1.6 engine. Bodyshell unique to this and the SS due to a bulge in the back panel to accommodate the 185 spare, and round headlights lifted from the US-market. A 4-speed gearbox for that uncomfortable motorway experience, and a hunger for front axle bearings. Great little car.
Mk2 XR2
Development of the Mk1 but now with the gruff CVH OHC engine and, thanks to wider chassis rails, a 5-speed gearbox. The weapon of choice for every junior Dazza, Bazza, Kev etc. Accounted for more than 20% of all Mk2 sales
Mk3 XR2i
Bodykitted Mk3 with the XR3i engine. Unremarkable but popular, this powertrain was starting to show its age
Mk3 RS Turbo
A proper hooligan. The Escort RS Turbo engine/gearbox, new suspension and Recaro seats with the same looks as the XR2i, but with green pin-stripes, snazzy Cosworth-alike bonnet vents and (remember this is the early 90s) 3-spoke alloys
Mk3 XR3i 1800
With the new Zetec 16v 1.8 litre engine this was a bit more grown-up, but against the competition the chassis was starting to fall behind
Mk3 RS1800
More power than it's little XR brother (by a heady 15bhp or so), nicer Recaro interior, 14" 5-spoke wheels reminiscent(sp?) of the RS2000. Quite rare, and should have never been called what it was (also see Mk5 Escort Harrier, Mk2 Focus RS500)
Then a whole bunch of Si, Zetec and all sorts of others which I know little about and frankly can't be arsed to find out. Someone else take up the mantle?
Again,
Edited by generationx on Monday 20th February 18:09
Edited by generationx on Monday 20th February 19:43
uk66fastback said:
rufusgti said:
your average car these days is a fantastic piece of kit. My dads cars were so incredibly boring and dull compared to the metallic blue hot hatches that suddenly started hooning round.
I'll agree with the second part of what you said above, but the first part I can't. In what way are they a fantastic piece of kit, cos they have so much electrickery with them now they can reverse park them themselves and have a rear camera?! I can't see it I'm afriad, but then I'm not really a fan of modern cars AT ALL!..
Agree on the monstrosity you showed
generationx said:
So let's do the Fiesta.
Mk1 XR2
First of the line, but not the first XR - that was the Escort in 1980. Little pocket rocket developed from the 1.3 Supersport, with new alloys and stickers, a different interior and over 100 raging horsepower from the revvy, rattly, valve-bouncy overhead valve 1.6 engine.
Mk1 XR2
First of the line, but not the first XR - that was the Escort in 1980. Little pocket rocket developed from the 1.3 Supersport, with new alloys and stickers, a different interior and over 100 raging horsepower from the revvy, rattly, valve-bouncy overhead valve 1.6 engine.
Try 84 bhp.
100+ would have been amazing (but too much for the brakes!
)
My thoughts on what I owned (in chronological order)
mk2 XR2
Loved this car and at 18 was plenty powerful enough. Everyone slates the CVH engine now but back then it was fine. Easy on limit handling and could lift off oversteer with ease.
mk3 XR2i
Felt very modern after the mk2, heavier though and really a bit too refined for my liking. Just didn't sparkle and I sold it pretty quick.
mk4 Escort RS Turbo
What a car, genuinely fast (I recall mine was chipped to 155bhp) and sounded superb with it's magnex exhaust. I took my girlfriend at the time to the Mal Maison Hotel in Newcastle and I remember someone shouting across the road "nice car pal!" I was 21 by the time I had it and as I mentioned, this got you noticed in my little city. The first (and quite possibly the only) car I've ever owned that if I was too skint to go out on a saturday night, I'd park up outside the nightclub and go in and have a few soft drinks and drive. Just to show it off!
The things you do when you're young and stupid!
mk3 Fiesta RS Turbo
Another real head turner of a car. To be honest I didn't like it too much. A lot of chassis flex, torque steer and really didn't handle as well as the Escort. Sold to buy my first house at 21/22 I think.
mk2 XR2
Loved this car and at 18 was plenty powerful enough. Everyone slates the CVH engine now but back then it was fine. Easy on limit handling and could lift off oversteer with ease.
mk3 XR2i
Felt very modern after the mk2, heavier though and really a bit too refined for my liking. Just didn't sparkle and I sold it pretty quick.
mk4 Escort RS Turbo
What a car, genuinely fast (I recall mine was chipped to 155bhp) and sounded superb with it's magnex exhaust. I took my girlfriend at the time to the Mal Maison Hotel in Newcastle and I remember someone shouting across the road "nice car pal!" I was 21 by the time I had it and as I mentioned, this got you noticed in my little city. The first (and quite possibly the only) car I've ever owned that if I was too skint to go out on a saturday night, I'd park up outside the nightclub and go in and have a few soft drinks and drive. Just to show it off!
The things you do when you're young and stupid!mk3 Fiesta RS Turbo
Another real head turner of a car. To be honest I didn't like it too much. A lot of chassis flex, torque steer and really didn't handle as well as the Escort. Sold to buy my first house at 21/22 I think.
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