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Welcome to the XR4Register website
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In 1985, Ford of Europe began importing the Merkur XR4ti into the U.S. The Merkur is actually a German Ford Sierra XR4i, modified for the American market.
The Sierra is Ford of Europe's intermediate, sized between the Escort and the the XR4ti is the top-line sporty model, as you might suspect from its biplane rear spoiler and add-ons. In Germany it comes with a 150- hp, 2.8-liter V6 and will top 130 mph.
For the American market, Ford takes the basic Sierra off the Ghent, Belgium, assembly line and then the Karmann works in Germany makes over 700 minor changes and installs the same 175-hp Brazilian-built 2.3 liter, turbocharged Four that's in the Turbo Thunderbird. According to Ford's engineers, the turbocharged, fuel- injected, computer controlled Turbo 2.3 actually outperforms the European V6 right up to 130 mph.
The Merkur's engine is not something you'd want to work on yourself, but it is less exotic than the engine in something like a Mercedes or BMW. Granada. In Germany, it competes with the small BMW and Mercedes models.
A lot of fun can be had with a traditional front-engine/rear-drive chassis if it's well designed. The XR4ti's platform is. Excellent balance, minimal roll, sharp steering and plenty of grip from the Pirelli P6 tires make this a fun road car.
German designers are famous for attention to ergonomics, and the Merkur is an excellent example of typical German quality. The highly adjustable bucket seats provide lots of lumbar and side support, sumptuous leather, like a well-made German executive office chair.
The Merkur XR4ti was only imported between 1985 and 1989, making it a good candidate for collector status someday. The car is tough, beautiful, fast, and fairly priced. There is a lot of driving pleasure to be had from the XR4ti.
1986 Merkur XR4ti General Performace Specs
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Basic Price ($)
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(base model) $18,000
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Country of Origin
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Germany
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Engine Type
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Fuel injected, turbocharged (with water-cooled bearing, computer controlled 2.3 litre SOHC 4 cylinder
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Bore x Stroke, mm
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96.0 x 79.4
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Displacement, cc
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2307
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Compression Ratio
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8.0:1
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Bhp @ rpm, net
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175 @ 5200 (145 @ 3800 for automatic)
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Torque @ rpm, lb-ft
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195 @ 3800 (180 @ 3000 for automatic)
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Transmission
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5 speed manual (3 speed auto)
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Final Drive Ratio
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3.64:1
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Suspension, f/r
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ind/ind
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Brakes, f/r
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Disc/Drum
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Tyres
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Pirelli P6 (P195/60HR-15)
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Steering Type
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Rack and Pinion
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Turning Circle, ft
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32.8 turns, lock to lock 3.6
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Layout
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Front engine, rear wheel drive
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Body/Seats
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2 door with hatchback 5 seats
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Wheelbase, in
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102.7
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Track, f/r
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57.2/57.8
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Length
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178.4
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Width
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68.5
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Height
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57.8
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Curb Weight, lbs
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2920
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Fuel Capacity, US Gal
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15.0
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Fuel Economy (EPA), mpg
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19
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Performace Specfications
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0-60 time
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7-7.3 seconds
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Top Speed
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132 mph
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Braking, ft
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127ft
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