From its inception in 1965, the Bronco’s name would go on to live in American automobile history and, for better or for worse, become ingrained in pop culture. The Bronco was initially developed to be an off-road vehicle competing with the likes of the Jeep CJ5 and the Toyota Land Cruiser.
Now, of course, we may have to wait a little longer for the full-fat Bronco to appear, but to whet our appetite there’s the Bronco Sport, a sort of softer, cuddlier version of the Bronco, with a small three-pot engine and a monocoque chassis. And here we get to see just how the new challenger shapes up against an old-school Bronco Eddie Bauer. Of course, it’s not the most like-for-like comparison, especially considering the older vehicle has had some not-quite-period mods, including a 7.1 liter Powerstroke diesel swap, 5-speed manual box, and dashboard from the donor truck too.
Read: Ford Won’t Offer New Bronco In Australia, UK And Japan, As It Rules Out Right-Hand Drive Version
The Bronco Sport is powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine pushing out a modest 181 hp (184 PS; 135 kW). Presenter Ezra Dyer compares the usage of the Bronco name on this new SUV in a similar vein as to how Ford has used the Mustang tag to evoke nostalgia in the Mach-E. But to compare it to his fifth-generation Bronco may be a bridge too far, with similarities ending at both cars’ ability to open the tailgate and glass independently of each other. However, the Bronco Sport does follow in the footsteps of the Bronco II, a model that is beginning to see its values rise.
Back in the ’93 Bronco, things are decidedly more utilitarian. The gears are short, but the highlight of this home-brew is the supreme passing power thanks to its vast torque reserves. However, it’s more in line with what the host considers is a true Bronco: a convertible, go anywhere, do anything truck that wears its battle scars with pride.
For a modern-day interpretation, we may have to look towards the body-on-frame proper Bronco for a true comparison. But with the ongoing semiconductor shortage prompting Ford to idle production at its Michigan Assembly site where the Bronco is produced, there’s a chance we may have to wait a little longer.