Old Bronco vs. new: Taking a look at how the Bronco has changed over the years

With all the hype around the Ford Bronco release, we thought it might be cool to see how the 2021 model stacks up against its vintage counterpart. So let's take a gander at what Ford was turning out 50 years ago by comparing that 2021 Bronco to a similar model from From 1971. Let's compare a 2021 two door Bronco in Badlands trim to a 1971 version, we'll see how they differ in terms of size, off-road prowess and of course engine output to see just how far we've come, sound good Let's go. [MUSIC] Now before we get to the nitty gritty, I want to point out how Ford really nailed the styling on this new Bronco, like its predecessor, its body is boxy, and up right? Definitely a form follows function look to the whole machine. Now the old Bronco could be completely open to the elements and that tradition is carried on in the new one, albeit with a bit more safety equipment in case you happen to roll over or something and I love the omashu the original grille as well. It's a perfect blend of modernity and nostalgia Alright, first things first, let's start with overall dimensions. As expected, the current Bronco is a whole lot bigger than the old one. The 2021 model has a length of 174.8 inches while the 71 is way shorter at just 152.1 inches. The wheelbase of new Bronco is 100.4 inches while the old one comes in at just 92. The overall width of the new Bronco is 76.3 inches, making the 1971 variant seem like a skinny mini at just 68.8 The new Bronco is a lot taller too at 73.8 inches compared to the 68.9 inches of the older rig. When it comes to track, the new Bronco is 65 inches wide, front and rear, but the first generations track is much narrower at just 57.4 inches. [MUSIC] When it comes to off road performance geometry indicates how easily a vehicle can climb up and over obstacles. The higher the number the better its chances are And here are the two vehicles are a bit more evenly matched. The Bronco Badlands has a maximum of 11.6 inches of ground clearance, but the older Bronco it's got a whopping 13.3 approach angle on the 2021 model is 43.2 degrees but that is bested by the 45 degrees of the 1971 Bronco. [MUSIC] However, the new Bronco has a better departure angle at 37.2 degrees versus the 34 degrees of the old model. But with that longer wheelbase the current generation Bronco has a break over angle of 29 degrees, which can't quite match the 31.2 of that. 71 Bronco. [MUSIC] All right, finally, let's check out available engines. A standard power plant in the new Bronco is a 2.3 liter EcoBoost inline four cylinder pushing out 270 ponies and 310 pound feet of torque. That is paired with a seven speed manual gear box or a ten speed automatic. The base model from 1971 was powered by a 2.8 liter inline six with all of 105 horsepower and 158 pound feet of torque, and it was matched to a three speed manual transmission mounted right up on the column. And I should point out here that the figures for the 1971 Bronco are the old inflated gross numbers. We measure engine power differently these days with the accessories attached which results in lower. But more accurate numbers. Available on the latest Bronco is a 2.7 liter EcoBoost Vsix with 310 horsepower and 400 pound feet of torque. This engine is only available with that 10 speed automatic but man Wish it came with the seven speed manual. Meanwhile, the 1971 Bronco also had an available engine in the form of a 4.9 liter VA, but it only knocked out a maximum of 210 horsepower and 300 pound feet of torque. Again, these are gross numbers. No upgraded transmission was available back then just the same three on the tree. [MUSIC] Now I'm not here to declare a winner, at least not at this time. I mean, while the new Bronco is full of all the latest technical goodies, there is always something so joyful about piloting a vintage vehicle and how could I possibly choose one over the other For now, I'm just grateful that both exist, as each has their own unique qualities that make them pretty darn awesome.