Hoonigan’s ongoing This vs That series has produced some rather entertaining content over the years, with more than a few Blue Oval models participating in that drag racing showdown. In some cases, we’ve even been treated to a little Ford on Ford crime, with both vehicles lining up against each other coming from that same manufacturer, including a recent matchup between a 1977 Ford Capri and a 1980 Ford Cortina. This time around, that isn’t the case, as this Ford Escort RS is taking on a totally different machine.
This isn’t just any old regular Ford Escort RS, however – it’s a pretty sweet 1978 MKII Mexico model, which has obviously been modified in some pretty extreme ways. Those upgrades include a carbon fiber hood and roof, wide fenders, as well as a fully-built Cosworth YB powerplant with forged internals that cranks out 400 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed sequential transmission.
In the other lane, we have a Mitsubishi Evo VIII, which is more race car than show car, unlike the Ford Escort RS. It’s packing its original 2.0L powerplant, which has ported heads, bigger cams, new pistons, a 6466 Precision turbo, and a variety of other mods that help it make 800 horsepower on the dyno, and it’s mated to a dog box transmission. Both machines are pretty lightweight, so this is clearly an interesting matchup – though the Escort is rear-wheel drive, while the Evo has the traction advantage with all-wheel drive.
As one might imagine, the Evo puts its power and traction advantage to good use by taking home an easy win in the first round, but unfortunately, it blew its gearbox on that single pass. Thus, the Escort races the same gussied-up Cortina from the aforementioned showdown, and, well, it ends pretty much the same way. Regardless, there’s no denying that this particular and rather rare Escort RS Mexico looks cool rocketing down the track, at least.
We’ll have more interesting videos like this to share soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Escort news and around-the-clock Ford news coverage.
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