Old Bronco vs New Bronco — what did each era get right? 😂

[Mabett]

Crazy how the Bronco managed to stay recognizable over the decades while also becoming a completely different kind of vehicle at the same time.

The older Broncos had that simple, rugged, no-frills personality people still love today — smaller size, classic boxy styling, mechanical simplicity, and a very raw, analog off-road feel

The new Bronco brought the name back in a much more modern way — more capability, more comfort, removable tops and doors, more tech, and an aftermarket scene that exploded almost immediately

They honestly feel like products from two completely different eras, but somehow still share the same Bronco identity.

What do you think the older Broncos got right?

What’s something the new Bronco improved the most?

Both generations clearly have their own strengths — and their own fan base

Also curious how many people here have owned or driven both generations. Would love to hear the differences that stood out most to you — or see photos if you’ve got them

Feels like this is one of those topics a lot of Bronco owners could debate for hours

So if you’re into that side of Bronco culture, feel free to jump in our group and share ideas, photos, or some of your favorite retro-style setups/builds

Join our community to stay updated with the latest product releases, exclusive promotion discounts and abundant opportunities for free product trials.

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[dgorsett]

The OG was definitely a step above the Jeep and Scout on civility in 1966. It actually lagged behind the Jeep Wagoneer, but that gets overlooked. The Broncos original 6 popper was almost OK and better than the Jeep and Scout 4s but behind the Wagoneer with the V-8 again. The OGs ground clearance definitely beat the Jeep and Scout. When the Bronco introduced the V-8 in late '66 and Sport trim in '68 the civility gap increased again. The introduction of the Chevy Blazer with V-8, automatic and power steering in '69 completely outclassed the Bronco, but the Bronco's size was still an off road advantage. The ridiculous column shift three speed was probably the '66 to '72 Bronco's biggest failing. The OG Bronco really began to outshine the completion with the '73 to '77's with automatic, power steering, brakes, Ranger trim. It then could compete with the Blazer, Ramcharger and upgraded Scout IIs. Some Bronco throughout their history had quirky on road handling that could be borderline dangerous (worse than CJ5), that probably killed the concept, leading to the bigger Broncos post '77.

F150 based Broncos of 1978 to '96 are just a different beast and, to me, not in the same category. And most 6g folks won't appreciate this, but the Bronco II is the real link between the OG to the 6g. Dimensionally similar, good on and off road, economical and yeah sporty.

The 6g really brings the heritage together. OG styling with modern handling, economy, conveniences, with real on and off road chops. The only failing I see is off road performance limited by the IFS. There are way too many photos of Broncos three wheeling, locker(s) are a requirement to keep these things moving. My family has owned maybe a dozen Broncos since 66 and the 6g is the logical and worthy progression of that heritage.

My family's Bronco history: Two 1966s, '68, '70 ,'76, '77, '84, '86, '90 and the 2021

 

[bronco_ed]

Ford could have put a v8 in the new Bronco…The older version got that right although two six cylinders is not all that bad…

 

[BroncoAloha]

The ridiculous column shift three speed was probably the '66 to '72 Bronco's biggest failing.

Knocking a three on the tree knocks your credibility down a notch. Sorry, those are the gear head rules.

But nice first gen Broncos you have there. If the Bronco II prototype's removable rear side windows had gone into production, or they came up with a removable top, it really would be a direct link to the Bronco of today. My wife drove an Eddie Bauer Bronco II when we met.

6G brought me out of 30+ years of Jeeps.

 

[bronco_ed]

“The ridiculous column shift three speed was probably the '66 to '72 Bronco's biggest failing.”

I think it was ahead of its time… It turns out that it is a great theft deterrent.

 

[Saltwater Junkie]

Me personally? ..... I'll say it .. If #FORDBRONCO had put a straight front axle and a V8 in the Gen6. sales would have been much higher. 2 door or 4 door.

 

[Mabett]

The OG was definitely a step above the Jeep and Scout on civility in 1966. It actually lagged behind the Jeep Wagoneer, but that gets overlooked. The Broncos original 6 popper was almost OK and better than the Jeep and Scout 4s but behind the Wagoneer with the V-8 again. The OGs ground clearance definitely beat the Jeep and Scout. When the Bronco introduced the V-8 in late '66 and Sport trim in '68 the civility gap increased again. The introduction of the Chevy Blazer with V-8, automatic and power steering in '69 completely outclassed the Bronco, but the Bronco's size was still an off road advantage. The ridiculous column shift three speed was probably the '66 to '72 Bronco's biggest failing. The OG Bronco really began to outshine the completion with the '73 to '77's with automatic, power steering, brakes, Ranger trim. It then could compete with the Blazer, Ramcharger and upgraded Scout IIs. Some Bronco throughout their history had quirky on road handling that could be borderline dangerous (worse than CJ5), that probably killed the concept, leading to the bigger Broncos post '77.

F150 based Broncos of 1978 to '96 are just a different beast and, to me, not in the same category. And most 6g folks won't appreciate this, but the Bronco II is the real link between the OG to the 6g. Dimensionally similar, good on and off road, economical and yeah sporty.

The 6g really brings the heritage together. OG styling with modern handling, economy, conveniences, with real on and off road chops. The only failing I see is off road performance limited by the IFS. There are way too many photos of Broncos three wheeling, locker(s) are a requirement to keep these things moving. My family has owned maybe a dozen Broncos since 66 and the 6g is the logical and worthy progression of that heritage.

View attachment 798002

What a great reply! I felt the history of the Bronco.

 

[Strorman Norm]

As a old fud , I liked the bronco of the 1980s it was still simple to work on your self with standard hand tools the most you needed was a tach dwell meter to adjust timing.

 

[76to22]

6g is missing the 302, and I was hoping the rear seats in the 6g were going to be just as easy to take out as my '76. Frameless windows are kind of a bust too. Other than that...

 

[Bronco21Maybe]

I'm glad they brought the hood fins back.

 

[SHANUT]

Crazy how the Bronco managed to stay recognizable over the decades while also becoming a completely different kind of vehicle at the same time.

The older Broncos had that simple, rugged, no-frills personality people still love today — smaller size, classic boxy styling, mechanical simplicity, and a very raw, analog off-road feel

The new Bronco brought the name back in a much more modern way — more capability, more comfort, removable tops and doors, more tech, and an aftermarket scene that exploded almost immediately

They honestly feel like products from two completely different eras, but somehow still share the same Bronco identity.

What do you think the older Broncos got right?

What’s something the new Bronco improved the most?

Both generations clearly have their own strengths — and their own fan base

Also curious how many people here have owned or driven both generations. Would love to hear the differences that stood out most to you — or see photos if you’ve got them

Feels like this is one of those topics a lot of Bronco owners could debate for hours

So if you’re into that side of Bronco culture, feel free to jump in our group and share ideas, photos, or some of your favorite retro-style setups/builds

Join our community to stay updated with the latest product releases, exclusive promotion discounts and abundant opportunities for free product trials.

Even though the 2.7 in my F150 completely destroys the 5.0 coyote in my son‘s F150, especially when towing, I would’ve jumped on a V8 powered 6G if it was available just for the sound.

 

[SeaVee]

I love my 77 with the 3 on the tree!

 

[dgorsett]

Me personally? ..... I'll say it .. If #FORDBRONCO had put a straight front axle and a V8 in the Gen6. sales would have been much higher. 2 door or 4 door.

I think sales would be lower but performance better

 

[mdainsd]

 

[Oldhippie]

The early bronco put bigger engine and stronger axles &frame in a slightly larger vehicle than Jeep/scout, making it a more powerful, stronger vehicle with more room inside without being too big for the tighter trails (sweet spot)…the latter gens were too big for the tighter trails and too short for the fast stuff (mostly useless)…Bronco II got back to smaller size but with less strength and capability (Jeep had it beat)…the new ones are nostalgic but didn’t bring the stronger running gear or offroad capability of the original with it’s great road manners and creature comforts (yeah, I want it all)… but I love/loved my ‘68 bronco, ‘85 ranger pickup and current ‘23 bronco…they just couldn’t do the off roading my string of jeeps could do…

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