I have copied & pasted an excellent write up on the 25 from the RS OWNERS CLUB (Aust).
I tried to post a link to their website but it didnt allow me so go to their site and then go to RS cars/Escort/RS2000 MK2 - 1976
Built in Saarlouis Germany, Ford Australia had ordered 25 RS2000s which came in 3 different colours.
Carnival Red, Daytona Yellow, Diamond White.
All had Ghia black velour seats in place of the roll top recaros that the euro/UK cars received. Interiors are black including the hood lining.
The 25 RS’s had 5.5inch deep dish steel wheels, with Pirelli cinturato 175/70HR13 tyres. Euro/UK RS’s received the 6×13 four spoke RS alloy wheels with the same Pirelli tyres fitted.
The 2 litre has 82kW (110bhp)@ 5500rpm, with 160Nm @4000rpm. This engine produces more power due to the free flowing cast RS exhaust manifold and no pollution gear on the engine. Ford Australia’s only addition to the engine is the charcoal canister.
Standard items on these cars are (different to the Aust RS2000):
- Alloy sump with baffle and extra wing to increase oil capacity,
- Alloy bell housing
- Alloy engine mounts
- RS cast twin downpipe exhaust manifold
- Large brake booster
- Unique radiator top hose
- Pancake type air filter
- Large suspension top mounts
- Larger stub axle and bearings (same as V6 capris and Lotus Cortinas)
- Larger taper on steering rack ends (same as V6 Capri and Lotus Cortina only metric thread)
- Gear stick 75mm further back over Australian escorts
- Up rated Sash front suspension
- Up rated Degirling gas rear suspension
- Twin radius arms on diff housing
- RS steering wheel with RS branded centre cap
- Unique centre console
- RS dash with white needles
- Clock and pod in dash facia
- Different styled exterior mirrors
- Thick black side stripe
- 2 litre badge on front guards
- Blacked out around rear lights
- One piece carpet
- F O R D lettering in nose cone
Although the two RS2000’s looked the same, they were in fact very different in performance in standard form.
German 82kW (110bhp) top speed 178km, 0-100km 8.5sec standing quarter 16.9sec.
Australian 70 kW (93.8bhp) top speed of 168km, 0-100 time of 11.5sec standing quarter 17.9sec.
PS. The attached images are photos of the 25 in Germany ready to be shipped to Oz. The original pics were given to me from Mr Peter Fry who had the privledge to sign them off as a young chap working for Ford Australia. Peter worked for Ford Australia for many years & was the Small Cars Operations Manager before he retired. Peter was also directly involved with the Aussie Escorts, Laser, Capri & Focus.