Dear Jordan, well have you ever drove on a rally or even tried the escort on tarmac and/or dirt ?
I drive an escort, I ve already tried a subaru... I know that there are some differences but it depend on many parameters. But ask directly to the professional drivers who knew these cars.
For sure one thing : an escort cossie of 300hp accelerate far more better than a sti,it's official. But even it's 4wd driven cars turbocharged, they remain different in sensation and feeling.

ford escorts are too old. stick to wrx/sti and you will win!!!!!!!!!

Haha Yes sorry I forgot about these cars!
Ford escort Cosworth, my father owns one of 300hp (of 1994)
This car is amazing with a big kisk ass acceleration in 2nd gear around 3000-4000 rpm. It's a wonderful group A road car as well very comfortable.
You can still find lancia deltas integrales and Ford escort cosworth in france, italy or england. But owner don't want to sell them ! too precious! hehe

im sorry but all the new cars are ''dirt'' what u need is a escort cossie or a delta lancia!!!!!!!!!

Hi disneymetal :
- The bestrallycar in overall performance at the moment is for sure in the WRC cars : A-8 class(or A-8W in some countries) : the C4 is a bit better than the Focus RS'08 on asphalt, but both are equal on gravel or hardgravel surfaces. The new Sub'08 is constently improving and nearly equal.
Afterthat do not forget the Peugeot 307 WRC and the 206 WRC (both were exceptional and memorable). The Subaru WRC'2000 to 2003 were very good cars as well. (with the marvellous "bang-bang" sound when releasing accelerator/turbocharge)
- In the 2weel drive class (A7) there are at the moment the S1600 class like suzuki and Citroen C2. Or Renault Clio R3.

- But we must take into consideration from now the new S2000 (see IRC challenge) Peugeot 207 S2000 and Fiat Punto Grande S2000. In the future it might be the replacement of the WRCs (too expensive)

- I liked the old rally cars, like 306 maxi (best car on asphalt only) and the Group B !! 205 T16 or Audi Quattro S1

The Darrian T90, Best ever!! (At club level) But on a serous note, I would say that it would be a Group B rally car, perhaps the Quatro or The Ford RS200, Or perhaps it could be the old Ford Escort Mark 2.