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Ford Bronco III 4.2 V8 (119 Hp) AWD Automatic
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)
III Overview:
Ford Bronco (III). With 262 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1970 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The 1980-1986 Ford Bronco III was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997, therefore no official rating is available. Safety features were basic by modern standards.
4.2 V8 (119 Hp) AWD Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Underpowered for a full-size SUV, offering minimal acceleration and struggling with heavy loads or highway speeds.
Fuel Economy
Despite lower power, fuel economy is not significantly better than larger V8s, making it a less efficient choice overall.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional off-road capability and rugged durability.
- • Wide range of robust V8 and I6 engine options, including the legendary 300 I6.
- • Classic American SUV styling with a strong enthusiast following.
- • Spacious interior and cargo capacity for its time.
- • Relatively simple mechanicals, making maintenance and repairs manageable.
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy across the entire engine lineup by modern standards.
- • Ride comfort can be harsh, especially on rough terrain.
- • Outdated safety features and technology compared to contemporary vehicles.
- • Prone to rust, particularly in older models.
- • Steering and handling can feel vague and ponderous.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 1978 - 1979).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ford |
| Model: | Bronco |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.2 V8 (119 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1980 |
| End of production: | 1986 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 119 Hp @ 3800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 28.4 Hp/l [69mm less] |
| Torque: | 262 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 4183 |
| 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: | 93.47 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 76.2 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 16.6 kg/Hp, 60.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.5 kg/Nm, 133 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1970 |
| Max. weight: | 2635 |
| Max load: | 665 |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4511 mm mm [69mm less] |
| Width: | 1980 mm mm [34mm less] |
| Height: | 1870 mm mm [48mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2659 mm mm [17mm more] |
| Front track: | 1654 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1636 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 234 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.13 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Tires size | 235/75 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
What’s the best feature of the Ford Bronco? Tell us in the comments!