Mk1 vs Mk2 weekend rally car

[kelvinj520]

Greetings from Florida everyone.

Been looking at forums for a while now and decided I want to import an escort to rally here in the summer for fun.

Was just wondering if any car ( mk1 vs mk2) had a glaring benefit in terms of driving or for any rally application use. I have seen that the mk2 has a bit more aftermarket support and the cars are generally cheaper.

[Warrior]

I have a mk2 and love it, my dad has a mk1 that’s a similar spec but far from finished, I would gess if both had very similar suspention engine brakes ect they would be almost the same to dive but having never driven a mk1 that’s just a gess.

[davemk1]

They are pretty much the same car under the skin so should drive the same for similar spec cars

[kelvinj520]

That's what I thought. Thank you for the info. Not going hardcore with the specs.

[MegatronUK]

Transmission and running gear are essentially identical (bar some minor things like bolt threads, bearing sizes etc) so as long as you're comparing like with like, I would expect them to be nigh on the same.. the bodies, though a different style (rounded versus sharp edged) can't be very different in weight. Mk1's tend to be more expensive to buy and replace bodywork, but that's just down to them being a bit older and a bit more scarce.

[muckerbarry]

As mentioned above, there will be no difference in performance or driving "feel" between the two.

Ive always preferred the rounded look of the MK1, but when i built my rally car i went for a MK2 because its much easier (and cheaper) to find replacement panels, which as it has turned out was inspired as i have a nasty habit of bending panels....

I have read, but i cannot confirm, that the MK2 has more interior space than the MK1, which was important for me also.

[Graham]

in theory a mk1 shell would be stiffer, it has smaller more rounded openings for doors and windows in the shell, and thus should be stiffer. its the same for lotus cortinas, mk1's are better than mk2s, same reason, mk1 cortina had a more rigid shell.

My mate who used to rally escorts back in the 70's always said mk1 were better handling, although by the time you have a modern multipoint cage installed there cant be any real difference

[kelvinj520]

Forgot to mention that both cars would be the same if they were held to the same spec. Bubble flared mk1s looks amazing. I think I'll keep saving and find a rally basket mk2 mainly for the aftermarket support.