That's just because the RS1600i was developed for LHD vehicles. Brake servo sits a lot lower so for the XR3i it must have been altered to run the induction hose behind the servo.


A friend of mine (with a master degree in automotive engineering and several years of engine development and motorsport experience) told me it's better for engine response (because of the 2.8i throttle body) and for low rev torque.