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Ford Bronco I 4.9 V8 (208 Hp) AWD
Overall Rating
Ford Bronco:
The Ford Bronco is a model line of SUVs manufactured and marketed by Ford. The first SUV model developed by the company, five generations of the Bronco were sold from the 1966 to 1996 model years. A sixth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2021 model year. The nameplate has been used on other Ford SUVs, namely the 1984–1990 Bronco II compact SUV, the 2021 Bronco Sport compact crossover, and the China-only 2025 Bronco New Energy.
Originally developed as a compact off-road vehicle using its own chassis, the Bronco initially competed against the Jeep CJ-5 and International Scout. For 1978, Ford enlarged the Bronco, making it a short-wheelbase version of the F-Series pickup truck; the full-size Bronco now competed against the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and Dodge Ramcharger....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Ford Bronco (I). With 407 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1560 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10 s). The top speed reaches 156 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Ford Bronco I predates modern safety standards and Euro NCAP testing, which began in 1997. It lacks contemporary safety features like airbags and advanced driver-assistance systems, offering basic protection typical of vehicles from its era.
4.9 V8 (208 Hp) AWD Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The most potent V8 option, providing strong acceleration and ample power for both on-road and demanding off-road conditions, transforming the Bronco's character.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a large V8 of its time, fuel consumption is high, making it costly to run daily, but the power output justifies the thirst for many enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic classic styling and strong heritage appeal
- • Excellent off-road capability, especially with V8 engines
- • Robust and simple construction, easy to maintain for enthusiasts
- • Strong V8 engine options available, offering good power for the era
- • High collector's value and strong aftermarket support
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy across all engine options
- • Lack of modern safety features and crash protection
- • Basic on-road comfort and handling, especially at higher speeds
- • Limited passenger and cargo space compared to larger SUVs
- • Prone to rust, particularly in older, unrestored examples
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ford |
| Model: | Bronco |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.9 V8 (208 Hp) AWD |
| Start of production: | 1966 |
| End of production: | 1977 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 208 Hp @ 4600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 42 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 407 Nm @ 2600 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 4949 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 101.6 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 76.2 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.6:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 19.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 156 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.5 kg/Hp, 133.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.8 kg/Nm, 260.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1560 |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3863 mm mm |
| Width: | 1748 mm mm |
| Height: | 1859 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2337 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1453 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1453 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 201 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.2 m |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 165/75 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Behind the wheel of the Ford Bronco. How does it handle on the road?