The Most Popular Rally Car, Ranked

Choose the rally car you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 23, 2024 07:07
Fans of rally racing often debate which car stands out as the best on the track. Each fan holds a particular model close to their heart, championing its speed, durability, and performance amid challenging conditions. By compiling a list where participants can vote on their favorite rally car, these debates can find some resolution through collective agreement. This live ranking evolves directly in response to your votes, offering an up-to-date snapshot of which rally cars resonate most with enthusiasts. It serves both as a guide for new fans seeking insights into the sport and as a fun way for longstanding followers to ensure their favorites get the recognition they deserve. Your engagement shapes the outcome, making your participation crucial.

What Is the Most Popular Rally Car?

  1. 1
    33
    points
    Subaru Impreza WRX STI

    Subaru Impreza WRX STI

    Iconic rally car known for its success in the World Rally Championships during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
    • Notable Driver: Colin McRae
    • Championship Wins: 3 Manufacturers' Championships
  2. 2
    20
    points
    Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

    Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

    Rival to the Subaru Impreza in the rally scene, achieving significant success in the WRC and various national championships.
    • Notable Driver: Tommi Mäkinen
    • Championship Wins: 4 Drivers' Championships
  3. 3
    19
    points
    Audi Quattro

    Audi Quattro

    Revolutionized rallying with its four-wheel drive system, winning multiple championships in the early 1980s.
    • Notable Driver: Hannu Mikkola
    • Championship Wins: 2 Manufacturers' Championships
  4. 4
    9
    points
    Toyota Celica GT-Four

    Toyota Celica GT-Four

    Achieved great success in the 1990s with three drivers' championships and two manufacturers' championships.
    • Notable Driver: Carlos Sainz
    • Championship Wins: 2 Manufacturers' Championships
  5. 5
    1
    points
    Lancia Delta HF Integrale

    Lancia Delta HF Integrale

    Highly successful in the World Rally Championship, winning six consecutive manufacturers' titles from 1987 to 1992.
    • Notable Driver: Juha Kankkunen
    • Championship Wins: 6 Manufacturers' Championships
  6. 6
    0
    points
    Peugeot 205 T16

    Peugeot 205 T16

    Dominant force in the mid-1980s, winning the Drivers' and Manufacturers' championships in the Group B era.
    • Notable Driver: Timo Salonen
    • Championship Wins: 2 Manufacturers' Championships
  7. 7
    0
    points
    Volkswagen Polo R WRC

    Volkswagen Polo R WRC

    Dominant in the World Rally Championship from 2013 to 2016, winning multiple titles before Volkswagen's withdrawal.
    • Notable Driver: Sébastien Ogier
    • Championship Wins: 4 Manufacturers' Championships
  8. 8
    0
    points
    Ford Focus RS WRC

    Ford Focus RS WRC

    Competed in the World Rally Championship from 1999 to 2010 with multiple rally wins.
    • Notable Driver: Colin McRae
    • Championship Wins: N/A
  9. 9
    0
    points
    Citroën Xsara WRC

    Citroën Xsara WRC

    Highly successful in the early 2000s, winning multiple championships with Sebastien Loeb.
    • Notable Driver: Sebastien Loeb
    • Championship Wins: 3 Manufacturers' Championships
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Ford Escort RS Cosworth

    Ford Escort RS Cosworth

    Competitive in the 1990s with several rally wins, known for its distinctive aerodynamics and performance.
    • Notable Driver: Carlos Sainz
    • Championship Wins: N/A

Missing your favorite rally car?

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular rally car. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or rallycar is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2164 views
  • 82 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each rallycar once every 24 hours. The rank of each rallycar is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Rally Car

Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Rank #1 for the most popular rally car: Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Source)
Rally racing has grown in popularity over the years. This sport combines speed, skill, and endurance. Drivers navigate through tough terrains and unpredictable weather. The cars used in these races are unique and built for the challenge.

Rally cars differ from regular cars in many ways. They have reinforced frames to withstand rough conditions. The suspension systems are more advanced to handle jumps and bumps. Tires are special too, designed for grip on various surfaces. These features ensure the car can perform well on dirt, gravel, snow, and tarmac.

The engines in rally cars are powerful. They need to be, as the races demand quick acceleration and high speeds. Turbochargers are common, providing extra power when needed. The engines also have to be reliable. Races can cover hundreds of miles, so durability is key.

Transmission systems in rally cars are also unique. Many use sequential gearboxes, which allow for faster gear changes. This helps the driver maintain control and speed. The gear ratios are tuned for different stages of the race. This means the car can perform well on both straight paths and twisty sections.

Braking systems are crucial in rally racing. The cars need to stop or slow down quickly. High-performance brakes are used, often with cooling systems to prevent overheating. This ensures the brakes work well throughout the race.

Safety is a top priority in rally racing. Cars have roll cages to protect the driver and co-driver in case of a crash. Seats are specially designed to keep occupants secure. Harnesses replace regular seat belts, offering better protection. Fire extinguishers are mandatory, as fires can start in high-speed crashes.

Electronics play a big role in modern rally cars. Computers help manage engine performance and other systems. Data from sensors provide real-time information to the driver. This can include tire pressure, engine temperature, and more. This data helps the team make quick decisions during the race.

Aerodynamics are important too. Rally cars have spoilers and diffusers to improve stability. These features help the car stay on the ground during high-speed sections. They also improve handling, making it easier to navigate tight corners.

Testing and development are ongoing processes. Teams spend countless hours fine-tuning their cars. They test different setups to find the best performance. This includes everything from suspension settings to tire choices. The goal is to have a car that can handle any condition thrown its way.

Rally cars are a blend of technology and craftsmanship. They represent the peak of automotive engineering. Each component is designed with a specific purpose in mind. The result is a machine capable of taking on the toughest challenges in motorsport.

The world of rally racing continues to evolve. New technologies and materials are always being developed. This pushes the limits of what these cars can do. Fans of the sport appreciate the skill and dedication that goes into building and driving these incredible machines. Rally cars will always have a special place in the world of motorsport.

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