Despite so many production delays, the 2021 Ford
Bronco was eventually released. Its current form is a boxy SUV reminiscent of the Jeep Wrangler, with impressive off-roading power to match. However, some people still don't know that the Bronco was based on a slightly different vehicle. Back in the ‘80s, the original Ford Bronco pickup truck was fresh for its third generation. What makes this classic truck worth remembering, even with its snazzy new descendent on the market?
Was the 1980 Ford Bronco critically acclaimed?
According to Car and Driver
, the 1980 Ford Bronco was able to shave 300 pounds off its curb weight. While Ford boasted that this would improve fuel economy substantially, C/D wasn't blown away by the 2 mpg difference. C/D appreciated the new front suspension but was less impressed with the inconsistent behavior of the rear suspension. While cruising along choppy roads, it causes the rear of the car to jitter all over the place. However, C/D found that ride quality improves significantly at higher speeds. The interior is also a pleasant place to be, with spacious cloth seats and a high driving position.
Three engine options were available for the 1980 Ford Bronco, the standard being a 4.9-liter inline-six. C/D was satisfied with one of the two available V8s, which can produce between 134-138 horsepower. C/D's tester came with a four-speed manual gearbox, while the bigger V8 only had a three-speed manual.
In terms of off-roading, the 1980 Ford Bronco has no problems tackling hills and wading through ditches. Only the second gear, which randomly decides to slip on occasion, hampered C/D's experience.
How much did the 1980 Ford Bronco cost?
A new 1980 Ford Bronco retailed for $7,897 (slightly over $27,000 in 2022 dollars.). C/D testers spent their time inside an XLT model, which cost over $13,000. That equates to just over $45,000 today.
Second-gen Ford Broncos are more popular on the used market, but 1980 models still pop up occasionally. We found this one in pristine condition on CarGurus
, with an asking price of $24,000. The new full-size Ford Bronco starts at $30,800 for the two-door model and $34,700 for the four-door body style. The two most expensive trims, Raptor and Everglades, are only available as four-door models. Respectively, they cost $68,500 and $53,000.
Is the 2022 Ford Bronco a better investment?
MORE: The 2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak is Expensive, But Is It Worth It?
The 2022 Ford Bronco is obviously an entirely different beast, built with a purely off-roading focus.
It comes with a handful of off-roading features even on the base trim, plus the latest convenience technology. Still, it's worth noting that the 1980 Ford Bronco is longer, sits higher off the ground, and has more cargo capacity. According to Ford Authority
, the third-gen Bronco also remains dependable over 30 years later. Only time will tell if the new Bronco has as much staying power as the 1980 Ford Bronco. It's easy to find any Ford Bronco insurance through Jerry
The latest version of the Ford Bronco hasn't really had much time to depreciate just yet. The average driver usually pays around $1,600-$2,500 for a Ford Bronco insurance policy
each year. On the other hand, since the 1980 Ford Bronco is relatively inexpensive, it will have much lower insurance premiums. Still, you should never let expensive insurance plans scare you away from the car you really want.
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