You can't compare an Escort to a Sapphire, as the Escort was designed as a rally car, so was one of the first cars to have spoilers that created negative lift at speed. Unfortunately, this same thing creates a considerable amount of drag above 100mph, so at these speeds in a straight line and even an equal powered Sapphire 4x4 will feel faster, let alone a 2wd which will feel just as fast with 50bhp less LOL.
However, show it some corners and the Escort comes into it's own. BUT to make it handle like a modern 4x4 equivalent (Evo / Scooby) takes a considerable amount of dedication and funds. It's a car designed from the early 90s, so allowances need to be made. As has been said, it's distinctive looks create a sense of occasion when-ever you drive it, but at the end of the day, it is a 20 year old Ford......
The good thing is that it is STILL considered Ford's halo car by many, and so residuals are still strong (look at other cars of the same age and check out the values of them
).
Gearboxes are the weak link, so stay Stage III is my advice and stick with Konis and you'll have a car that you can use on a regular basis.
You can turn it into a track weapon - but you have to LOVE these cars to do so, as it is eye-wateringly expensive (but when you overtake Mclaren MP4's, it makes it worth while
):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5VV7...6&feature=plcp