The Most Popular Rally Car, Ranked

Choose the rally car you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:47
In the thrilling world of rally racing, every fan has their favorite car that they believe shines on the tracks. By compiling a list of the top rally cars according to fans' votes, not only do we see which vehicles are capturing the hearts of enthusiasts, but we also create a shared space for discussion and debate. This cumulative ranking can shift with each new vote, reflecting the dynamic opinions of the racing community. As enthusiasts contribute to the rankings, they provide insights that might influence the choices of others, from new fans to seasoned watchers of the sport. Your vote helps paint a clearer picture of which rally cars are consistently impressing the crowd and which might need a bit more rally spirit. Dive into this interactive experience and see where your favorite ranks among the greats.

What Is the Most Popular Rally Car?

  1. 1
    33
    votes
    Subaru Impreza WRX STI
    LSDSL · CC BY-SA 2.0 de
    The Impreza has been a popular rally car for decades, known for its strong performance and reliability. It has won multiple championships in the World Rally Championship (WRC) and is a favorite among rally enthusiasts.
    The Subaru Impreza WRX STI is a high-performance compact car known for its thrilling driving experience in the game NFS Heat. It is a rally-inspired vehicle that combines power, agility, and all-wheel drive to deliver an exhilarating ride.
    • Engine: 2.5L turbocharged flat-four
    • Horsepower: 310 hp
    • Torque: 290 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 6-speed manual
    • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
    Subaru Impreza WRX STI in other rankings
  2. 2
    24
    votes

    Ford Fiesta RS

    Ford Performance
    The Ford Fiesta has been a popular choice for rally drivers due to its agile handling and powerful engine. It has won multiple championships in the WRC and is known for its impressive speed and maneuverability.
    The Ford Fiesta RS is a highly popular rally car known for its impressive performance and agility. It is part of the Ford Fiesta lineup, specifically tuned and designed for rally racing competitions. The car features a powerful engine, advanced technology, and a robust chassis, making it a top choice among rally drivers.
    • Engine Type: 2.0L EcoBoost inline-4
    • Power Output: Approximately 350 horsepower
    • Torque: Approximately 440 Nm
    • Transmission: 6-speed sequential gearbox
    • Drive Type: All-wheel drive (AWD)
  3. 3
    20
    votes
    Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
    IFCAR · Public domain

    Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

    Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
    The Lancer Evolution is a high-performance rally car that has won multiple championships in the WRC. It is known for its powerful engine and advanced handling capabilities.
    The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, also known as the Evo, is a high-performance sports sedan that gained widespread popularity in the automotive enthusiast community. Renowned for its rally racing heritage, the Evo has been hailed as a legend in the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) car scene.
    • Engine: 2.0L turbocharged inline-4
    • Horsepower: 291 hp
    • Torque: 300 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 5-speed manual (later models featured 6-speed)
    • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
    Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution in other rankings
  4. 4
    19
    votes
    The Quattro was a groundbreaking rally car that introduced four-wheel drive technology to the sport. It won multiple championships in the WRC and was known for its impressive speed and handling.
    The Audi Quattro is a legendary rally car that gained fame in the 1980s. It was the first car to feature the Quattro all-wheel drive system, which revolutionized the rally racing scene. The Quattro was known for its exceptional traction and handling, providing a significant advantage over its competitors. Its distinctive design, powerful engine, and innovative technology made it a force to be reckoned with on the rally stages.
    • Top Speed: Approximately 230 km/h (143 mph)
    • Model: Audi Quattro
    • Production Years: 1980-1991
    • Body Style: Two-door coupe
    • Engine: 2.1-liter 5-cylinder turbocharged engine
    Audi Quattro in other rankings
  5. 5
    12
    votes
    Peugeot 205
    Rudolf Stricker · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Peugeot 205

    Peugeot
    The Peugeot 205 was a popular rally car in the 1980s and 1990s, winning multiple championships in the WRC. It was known for its nimble handling and powerful engine.
    The Peugeot 205 is a legendary rally car that achieved great success in the world of motorsport. It is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and popular rally cars ever produced. Its compact size, excellent handling, and powerful performance made it a dominant force in various rally championships.
    • Engine: 1.6 L or 1.9 L
    • Power: 105 - 200 horsepower
    • Transmission: 5-speed manual
    • Weight: approx. 880 - 960 kg
    • Drivetrain: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
  6. 6
    8
    votes
    Toyota Celica GT-Four
    Celica21gtfour · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Toyota Celica GT-Four

    Toyota Motor Corporation
    The Celica GT-Four was a popular rally car in the 1990s, winning multiple championships in the WRC. It was known for its advanced four-wheel drive system and powerful engine.
    The Toyota Celica GT-Four is a high-performance rally car that was produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota. It was based on the Toyota Celica sports car, and specifically designed for participating in the World Rally Championship (WRC) series. The GT-Four variant was introduced in 1986 and remained in production until 1999.
    • Engine: 2.0L turbocharged Inline-4
    • Power: up to 252 horsepower
    • Torque: up to 224 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 5-speed manual
    • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
  7. 7
    11
    votes

    Mini Cooper S

    BMW Group
    The Mini Cooper S was a popular rally car in the 1960s, winning multiple championships in the Monte Carlo Rally. It was known for its small size and nimble handling.
    The Mini Cooper S is a compact hot hatch that offers both style and performance. It is renowned for its agile handling and compact size, making it a joy to drive in urban settings. With its iconic retro-modern design, the Mini Cooper S stands out on the road, offering a unique blend of classic and contemporary elements. The interior of the Mini Cooper S is well-crafted, providing a comfortable and premium feel for both the driver and passengers.
    • Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged
    • Power: 189 horsepower
    • Torque: 207 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic
    • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.4 seconds
    Mini Cooper S in other rankings
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    The Delta Integrale was a popular rally car in the 1980s and 1990s, winning multiple championships in the WRC. It was known for its advanced four-wheel drive system and powerful engine.
    The Lancia Delta Integrale is a legendary rally car that was based on the Lancia Delta hatchback. It was produced by the Italian manufacturer Lancia from 1987 to 1994, specifically for rally racing. The Delta Integrale is widely regarded as one of the most successful and dominant rally cars of all time.
    • Engine: 2.0L inline-4 turbocharged engine
    • Power: 210-250 horsepower
    • Torque: 220-242 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 5-speed manual
    • Drive Type: All-wheel drive
  9. 9
    3
    votes
    Citroen DS3 WRC
    Thesupermat · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Citroen DS3 WRC

    Citroen Racing
    The DS3 WRC is a modern rally car that has won multiple championships in the WRC. It is known for its nimble handling and advanced technology.
    The Citroen DS3 WRC is a high-performance rally car built by Citroen Racing. It is based on the popular Citroen DS3 model but extensively modified for competitive rallying. The DS3 WRC has gained significant popularity in the world of rallying, specifically in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) where it has achieved numerous victories and titles.
    • Engine: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged
    • Power output: Approximately 315 horsepower
    • Torque: Around 350 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 6-speed sequential manual
    • Drive type: All-wheel drive
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Hyundai i20 WRC
    Beren27 · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Hyundai i20 WRC

    Hyundai Motorsport
    The i20 WRC is a modern rally car that has been successful in the WRC, winning multiple championships. It is known for its advanced technology and powerful engine.
    The Hyundai i20 WRC is a rally car developed by Hyundai Motorsport for competing in the World Rally Championship (WRC). It is based on the Hyundai i20 road car but extensively modified for high-performance rallying.
    • Engine Type: 1.6L Turbocharged Inline-4
    • Power Output: Approximately 380 horsepower
    • Torque: Approximately 450 Nm
    • Transmission: Six-speed sequential gearbox
    • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD)

Missing your favorite rally car?

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Ranking factors for popular rally car

  1. Performance
    Analyze the car's engine power, acceleration, top speed, handling, and ability to tackle various terrains and weather conditions.
  2. Reliability
    Evaluate the car's durability, ease of maintenance, and history of mechanical problems or failures.
  3. Success in competitions
    Consider the car's track record in rally racing events, including wins, podium finishes, and overall standings.
  4. Driver feedback and experience
    Gather opinions from professional rally drivers who have driven the car in competitions, taking into account their preferences and handling experiences.
  5. Availability of parts and support
    Consider the ease of obtaining spare parts, modifications, and technical support from the manufacturer or third-party suppliers.
  6. Affordability
    Compare the overall cost of owning and maintaining the rally car, including initial purchase price, repair costs, and fuel efficiency.
  7. Time period and era
    Place the rally car's popularity in the context of its time period, considering the level of competition and the evolution of rally car technology.
  8. Iconic status and design
    Take into account the car's iconic status, design, and impact on the rally community and motoring culture.
  9. Versatility
    Assess the car's ability to perform well in a range of different rally events, such as tarmac, gravel, or snow.
  10. Safety
    Research the car's safety features and crash test ratings, as well as any notable incidents involving the car during rally events.

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

  • 1620 views
  • 139 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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.

More information on most popular rally car

Rally racing is one of the most thrilling and exciting forms of motorsports in the world. It involves driving a specially designed car on unpaved, rough terrain, often through forests, mountains, and other challenging landscapes. Over the years, rally racing has become increasingly popular, with millions of fans tuning in to watch some of the world's top drivers battle it out on some of the toughest courses in the world. One of the key features of rally racing is the use of specialized cars that are designed to handle the extreme conditions of the sport. These cars are typically compact, lightweight, and feature powerful engines, advanced suspension systems, and other high-tech features that help drivers navigate the challenging terrain. When it comes to the most popular rally cars, there are a number of contenders that have earned a place in the hearts of fans around the world. From the iconic Subaru Impreza to the classic Ford Escort, there are many great options to choose from. So which rally car reigns supreme? Read on to find out!

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