like stirlingmac my other half also has a escort. its a mk 1 rs2000 rep. with the cozy block, bilstiens adj. everything. its had about $22k spent on it and its beautiful. Ive spent $7k on my datto (still running a a12) but if i got this a14 im looking at for $1500 (155hp)and put it in i recon the datto would be as quick if not quicker. If i had unlimited (with in reason) $$ i think the escort would be a beautiful car to build and race, so much history etc. But on a budget the datto cant be bet, hence my love of them. so in short, unless youve got deep pockets and a love of british historical racing the dattos the way to go.