It was a game defined by two penalties, both correctly awarded and both scored, by Akos Buzsaky for QPR in the first half and by Darren Ambrose for the visitors just after the hour.
The hosts fielded a clutch of players - Fitz Hall, Gary Borrowdale, Mikele Leigertwood, Wayne Routledge and Ben Watson - who have all played in Palace colours in the past.
It was a reunion supporters had been made to wait to see after the original fixture was postponed back in September due to a waterlogged pitch.
The recall of Watson after a two-match ban added some much needed bite to Jim Magilton's side after Friday's surprising 2-1 defeat by Leicester, their first home loss of the season.
The hosts broke the deadlock on 19 minutes when Adel Taarabt drew a clumsy foul in the penalty area from Palace defender Danny Butterfield.
Buzsaky stepped up and sent Speroni the wrong way.
Both sides missed excellent chances in the remainder of an entertaining first period, the best falling to Palace striker Stern John, who somehow hit the woodwork from six yards out.
Palace boss Neil Warnock sent his side out for the after the break with a new purpose, bringing on Freddie Sears at half-time for the ineffectual Alassane N'Diaye.
Sears earned the visitors' equaliser when he was brought down in the penalty area by Hall after some neat skill.
Once again, referee Mick Russell made the right decision and once again the ball ended up in the back of the net, this time converted by Ambrose.
Both sides made chances to win it as the game wore on. Crystal Palace substitute Alan Lee missed a free header from seven yards and then, 12 minutes from time, Buzsaky saw his free-kick from the edge of the penalty area well saved by the athletic Speroni.
Speroni's next save, off Rowan Vine's thumping volley in the 86th minute, was even more impressive and the groans of the home crowd told the tale as Magilton's side found the Argentinian shot-stopper on top form.