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Ford

Ford - RS Cosworth (1996)

Rev up your curiosity with the legendary Ford RS Cosworth, the 1996 racing‑derived coupe that still commands attention on the road. The Ford RS Cosworth price for this iconic machine varies widely, depending on mileage, condition, and whether you’re looking at a new build or a second‑hand model. What is a 1996 Ford RS Cosworth worth? That question drives the discussion, and the answer helps you gauge the value of this automotive marvel.

  • Model Year: 1996
  • Engine: 4.0‑L DOHC twin‑turbocharged V8 producing 477 hp and 530 lb‑ft of torque
  • Transmission: 6‑speed manual
  • Fuel Type: Gasoline (high‑octane recommended)
  • Dimensions: .1 in (L) × 71.6 in (W) × 51.6 in (H)
  • Wheelbase: 107.3 in
  • Weight: 3,364 lbs (gross)
  • Top Speed: 140 mph (lab‑tested)
  • 0‑60 mph: 4.7 seconds (street clip)
  • Chassis: Lightweight aluminum alloy front, fail‑safe chassis design
  • Suspension: Adaptive dampers, racing‑grade springs
  • Brakes: Large disc brakes with Brembo calipers

Understanding the Ford RS Cosworth depreciation curve is key to framing any purchase or resale. Newly built or “new old stock” models usually depreciate roughly 15–20% in the first year, reflecting a steep initial drop as pricing stabilizes with market feedback. Over the first five years, depreciation averages about 45–50%, reducing the vehicle’s value by just under half its original cost. After that, the rate slows to 5–10% per year, much like other high‑performance luxury sedans. In comparison, a similar 1996 “street‑legal” model like the Ford Shelby GTP GT500 may only drop 20% in the first year, indicating the RS Cosworth’s premium position and limited supply keep its value higher.

When you ask what is a 1996 Ford RS Cosworth worth, the answer lingers in a few key factors mileage, service history, and originality. A 1996 RS Cosworth with less than 20,000 miles, a clean title, and all factory‑approved components can fetch anywhere from 1.5× to 2× the original MSRP in the collector market. These values are shifting, however, depending on the overall supply of well‑maintained examples in the market. For a used Ford RS Cosworth, the used Ford RS Cosworth price typically falls between 35% and 55% of the original launch price, depending on the factors above.

Compare it to other performance coupes of the same era:

  • BMW M336 (1995–1996) – rated BMW M3 price at a similar starting point but generally loses about 30% value in the first five years.
  • Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (1999) – sheer rarity bumps its market value to the mid‑$100k range, but it's priced higher at the launch.
  • Porsche 911 Carrera 964 (1994–1995) – its depreciation curve tracks the RS Cosworth a little more closely, with 45–50% in five years.

From a market position standpoint, the Ford RS Cosworth occupies a niche at the intersection of automotive history and high‑performance sensibility. It’s popular among collectors who value racing pedigree, enthusiasts who appreciate its unique turbo‑charged V8 output, and investors who monitor classic muscle car trends. The model’s straightforward mechanical design, combined with a raw driving experience rarely found in more mainstream machines, cements its spot as a coveted icon in the UK and Europe’s performance car communities.

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