How much horsepower does a 1968 Ford Bronco have?
The horsepower of a 1968 Ford Bronco varied by engine: about 105 hp with the base 170 cu in inline-six, roughly 120–130 hp with the 200 cu in inline-six, and around 210 hp with the optional 289 cu in V8.
Engine options and horsepower
The 1968 Bronco was offered with several powertrains. The main choices and their typical horsepower figures are listed below.
- 170 cu in I6 — about 105 horsepower
- 200 cu in I6 — about 120–130 horsepower
- 289 cu in V8 — about 210 horsepower
These numbers reflect common factory ratings from the era and can vary based on carburetor type, exhaust setup, and emissions equipment. Net horsepower ratings, carburetion differences, and production changes can lead to slight discrepancies between individual Broncos.
Historical context and variability
In 1968, Ford offered the Bronco as a compact, off-road-oriented SUV built on the same basic platform as Ford’s light trucks. The six-cylinder engines prioritized reliability and fuel economy, while the V8 option delivered substantially more power for acceleration, highway travel, and light towing. Horsepower figures from the period are often quoted as gross ratings, which differ from modern net ratings and can affect direct comparisons to later models.
How horsepower influenced performance and market reception
With a range from roughly 105 hp to 210 hp, buyers could pick a setup that favored efficiency or performance. The V8-equipped Broncos are typically highlighted for their stronger on-road performance and towing capability, while the six-cylinder versions appealed to buyers seeking lighter weight and easier maintenance for off-road duties.
Summary
For a 1968 Ford Bronco, horsepower depended on the engine: about 105 hp with the base 170, roughly 120–130 hp with the 200, and around 210 hp with the 289 V8. Variations in carburetion, exhaust, and emission controls can cause small differences in the exact figures, but these ranges cover the common configurations from that year.
