Ford Focus RS500: One outlandish Ford from the past is subtly demeaning contemporary supercars, at least in terms of value, in a world where even hot hatchbacks rely on turbo-four engines and all-wheel drive safety nets.
Introducing the Ford Focus RS500, a five-cylinder, front-wheel-drive monster designed as a parting present for enthusiasts. Over ten years later, the price of an immaculate example of this European forbidden fruit has surpassed that of a brand-new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.
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Yes — a matte-black Ford hatchback can cost more than America’s sports car icon. And once you understand why, it starts to make perfect sense.
A Ford the U.S. Never Got — And Never Will
American buyers missed out on plenty of legendary Fords over the years. The Escort RS Cosworth. The RS500 Sierra. The second-generation Ford Focus RS500 is arguably the most devastating absence of all.
The RS500, a limited-edition halo car was introduced in 2010 as the ultimate farewell to the Mk2 Focus. Ford promised to produce only 500 cars all of which would be finished in ominous matte black and used only in a limited number of European markets.
No U.S. allocation. No second chance.
That rarity alone planted the seeds for its future collector status.
The Five-Cylinder That Made Enthusiasts Fall in Love
At the heart of the RS500 is one of the most charismatic engines ever fitted to a hot hatch: a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five, originally derived from Volvo’s legendary powerplant.
But this wasn’t a simple carryover.
Ford engineers went all-in:
- Larger intercooler
- Revised intake and exhaust system
- Stronger internals
- Upgraded fuel system
- Aggressive engine tuning
The result?
350 horsepower and 339 lb ft of torque sent exclusively to the front wheel.
Even today that sound borderline unhinged.
Yes, It Was Front-Wheel Drive — And That’s What Makes It Special
Most manufacturers would’ve defaulted to all-wheel drive. Ford didn’t.
Instead, the RS500 relied on a heavily reinforced front-wheel-drive setup featuring:
- RevoKnuckle front suspension
- Quaife limited-slip differential
- Wide track and ultra-stiff chassis tuning
The outcome was shocking control, minimal torque steer, and a driving experience that demanded skill — not software.
This was one of the most powerful front-wheel-drive production car ever built with a manual transmission and Ford proved its durability by subjecting it to brutal Nürburgring endurance testing.
Performance That Still Hold Up
Even by today’s standard the RS500 doesn’t feel slow or outdated.
Key performance stats:
- 5.4 seconds for 0–60 mph
- Maximum speed of 165 mph
- Six speed manual only
No launch control. No drive modes. No artificial sound.
Just boost, grip, and bravery.
Why It’s Worth More Than a New Corvette in 2026
When new the Focus RS500 was already expensive. Adjusted for inflation its original price land around $75,000 today.
Fast forward to 2026 and the number are even more shocking.
Recent market data show:
- Value on average: around $85,000
- Example of low mileage: $90,000 or more
- Ultra-collector sales: Up to $130,000
That’s well above the starting price of a Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, and even enough to buy a Corvette Z06.
So why would anyone choose a hot hatch over a mid-engine V8?
Because the RS500 offers something Corvettes can’t:
- Ultra-low production numbers
- A discontinued engine layout
- A driving experience that will never be repeated
- Guaranteed long-term collectibility
Speed is replaceable. Character isn’t.
A Symbol of a Lost Era
The Focus RS500 represents the final days of:
- Overpowered front-wheel-drive cars
- Five-cylinder performance engines
- Analog, driver-focused hot hatches
Modern performance cars are faster, safer, and more efficient — but they’re also more predictable. The RS500 demands commitment and rewards bravery, which is exactly why collectors are chasing it.
Can’t Afford One? The Regular Mk2 Focus RS Is Still a Bargain
If six-figure prices sound painful, the standard Mk2 Ford Focus RS offers a similar experience at roughly half the cost.
With:
- 305 horsepower
- The same five-cylinder soundtrack
- Nearly identical chassis dynamics
You can still get into one for $35,000–$45,000, making it one of the best-value modern classics on the market today.
Final Thoughts: This Ford Earned Its Price Tag
The Ford Focus isn’t valuable just because it’s rare.
It’s valuable because:
- It was built with zero compromise
- It ignored market trends
- It prioritized thrill over comfort
- And it marked the end of an unforgettable performance era
That’s why people are willing to pay Corvette money — or more — for a matte-black hatchback that never even made it to America.
FAQs
Q: Is the RS500 faster than a Corvette?
A: No Modern Corvettes are much quicker. But the RS500 offers rarity, character and long term collector value that most modern sports cars won’t match.
Q: Is the standard Mk2 Focus RS a good alternative?
A: Absolutely It offers the same engine and similar driving dynamics at a much more accessible price point.
Q: Will the RS500 continue to increase in value?
A: All signs point to yes Limited supply, rising demand and no modern equivalent make it a strong long-term investment.
Also Read: 2026 Subaru Impreza Review: AWD Hatchback That’s Practical, Spacious & Surprisingly Efficient