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Ford Bronco I 4.9 V8 (127 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 298 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1608 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 14 s). The top speed reaches 145 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 (127 Hp) AWD Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A solid V8 option providing a good balance of power for general driving and off-road capability, a significant upgrade from the inline-sixes without being overly aggressive.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption, typical for a V8 of this displacement and era, but offers more usable power for the fuel burned compared to the I6s.
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 (127 Hp) AWD |
| Start of production: | 1966 |
| End of production: | 1977 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 127 Hp @ 3800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 25.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 298 Nm @ 1800 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 4942 |
| 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: | 8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 18.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 14 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 145 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.7 kg/Hp, 79 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.4 kg/Nm, 185.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 13.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1608 |
| Max. weight: | 1950 |
| Max load: | 342 |
| 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 |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Ford Bronco rank in your book?