It would be easier and cheaper to achieve with an R32 Skyline....

The trouble with either the Sapphire 4x4 or Escort is that to get it reliable, you have to spend a similar amount of money on the transmission or be prepared for it to be forever breaking. As long as you are prepared for that and don't mind the financial implications this brings, otherwise a 400bhp Escort is not an econimically viable proposition.

The Skyline might cost as much to achieve your 300bhp per tonne, but it would not then need the transmission upgrades, as the standard gearbox can take up to 600bhp with no problems (but expect to shorten the life of them if you take part in drag racing).


Obviously the cheapest option in both camps is to buy one that someone has already done all the mods to.