Russia: LADA, A Russian Car!
Hello,
I was drinking my morning cup of coffee & thinking about another car that I really like here in Russia.
The LADA:
The LADA is a trademark of AvtoVAZ, a Russian car manufacturer in Togliatti, (Samara Oblast or province). The name replaced
the original Zhiguli brand, because of phonetic resemblance of Zhiguli to Gigolo, which hampered exports. Lada made its name in Western Europe selling the Lada Riva as an economy car in large quantities during the 1980s, but subsequent models have not enjoyed the same success.
The common Lada sedan/estate series, known as the Classic in the west (Signet in Canada), is one of the most produced car models in history. The car was based on the 1966 Fiat 124 sedan. Since 1980, more th
an 13.5 million Lada Rivas have been built, and unknown millions were produced between 1969 and 1979 badged as 2101s – 2107s (depending on engine size and interior specifications). Lada has since ceased production of the Classic but the car is in production at another Russian car plant as well as being built under licence in other countries.
The Lada was widely exported throughout the world in the 80s and 90s (the US was the only large market not to have imported Ladas, but Canadian cars can be found there) and is unique in being the only car model that can be found on every continent, including Antarctica (where the Russian research base used Lada Nivas). The rugged design of the Lada Classic, which was built to cope with extreme Siberian climates[citation needed] and poor roads, meant that high mileages were possible under normal conditions (300,000 mls + on the same engine). Because of their economy and ease of service, Lada Classics are commonly used as police cars, taxis, and as a range of public service vehicles in many parts of Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Models:
VAZ-2104: “Lada” (domestic name – “Zhighuli”) is variant of VAZ-2105 sedan. It is 5-seat 5-doors classic station wagon 4×2. Rear wheel drive. Suspension: front – A-arms, coil springs, rear – solid axle, leaf springs. Engine: VAZ-2105 type – gasoline (carburetor) 4 cylinders in line, ohc, displacement: 1,294 cc (3.1″x2.6″), compression ratio: 8.5:1, power: 64 hp @ 5,600 rpm., torque: 68 ft.-lb. @ 3,400 rpm. Gears: (old models – 4) 5, top speed 84 mph, acceleration 0 to 62 mph – 18.5 s. Brakes: front – disks, rear – drrums, with hydraulic control. Measures: LxWxH: 13’6″x5’3.8″x4’8.8″, wheel base: 7’11.4″. Track front/rear: 4’5.7″/4’4″. Trunk space: 13.2/47.3 cu. ft. Curb weight: 2,050 lbs. Max. towing ratio: 1,507 lbs. Tyres: 175/70R13S. Fuel tank: 11 gal.
VAZ-21043: is powered by VAZ-2103 type engine: gasoline (carburetor), 4 cylinders in line, ohc, displacement: 1,452 cc (2.99″x3.15″), compression ratio: 8.5:1, power: 71 hp @ 5,600 rpm., torque: 76 ft.-lb. @ 3,400 rpm. Top speed: 89 mph, acceleration 0 to 62 mph: 17 s.
Export variant VAZ-21044: is powered by VAZ-21073 type engine: gasoline (single-point injection) 4 cylinders in line, ohc, displacement: 1,690 cc (3.23″x3.15″), compression ratio: 9.3:1, power: 80 hp @ 5,200 rpm., torque: 83 ft.-lb. @ 3,200 rpm. Top speed: 91 mph, acceleration 0 to 62 mph: 17.5 s.
VAZ-21045: is powered by Barnaul’s diesel engine VAZ-341 type. Displacement: 1,524 cc (2.99″x3.31″), CR 23:1, power: 53 hp @ 4,800 rpm, torque: 68 ft.-lb. @ 2,500 rpm. Curb weight: 2,050 lbs, full weight: 2,964 lbs. Top speed: 78 mph. Acceleration 0 to 62 mph: 23 s. Stopping distance from 62 mph: 175′. Fuel economy: 45.2 mpg at 56 mph, 31.4 mpg at 75 mph, 37.9 mpg in the city.
VAZ-21047: is luxury variant of VAZ-21043 (with same stuff as VAZ-2107 has).
VAZ-21048: (s. 2000) is powered by Barnaul’s diesel engine VAZ-343 type. Displacement: 1,770 cc, power: 62.5 hp.
VAZ-2105: “Lada” (domestic name – “Zhighuli”) is a 5-seat 4-doors classic rear wheel drive sedan 4×2. Suspension: front – A-arms, coil springs, rear – solid axle, coil springs. VAZ-2105 type engine: gasoline (carburetor) 4 cylinders in line, ohc, displacement: 1,294 cc (3.1″x2.6″), compression ratio: 8.5:1, power: 64 hp @ 5,600 rpm., torque: 68 ft.-lb. @ 3,400 rpm. Gears: 4, top speed 90 mph, acceleration 0 to 62 mph – 18 s. Brakes: front – disks, rear – drums, with hydraulic control. Measures: LxWxH: 13’6.5″x5’3.8″x4’8.8″, wheel base: 7’11.4″. Track front/rear: 4’5.7″/4’4″. Trunk space: 12.9 cu.-ft. Curb weight: 2,194 lbs. Tyres: 175/70R13S. Fuel tank: 10.3 gal. Fuel economy: 32.2 mpg at 56 mph, 23 mpg at 75 mph and in a city.
VAZ-21051: is powered by VAZ-2101 type engine: gasoline (carburetor), 4 cylinders in line, ohc, displacement 1,198 cc (2.99″x2.6″), compression ratio 8.5:1, power 58.5 hp @ 5,600 rpm., torque 63 ft.-lb. @ 3,400 rpm. Top speed: 88 mph, acceleration 0 to 62 mph: 20 s. Fuel economy: 32.7 mpg at 56 mph, 24 mpg at 75 mph and 22.4 mpg in a city.
VAZ-21053: is powered by VAZ-2103 type engine: gasoline (carburetor), 4 cylinders in line, ohc, displacement: 1,452 cc (2.99″x3.15″), compression ratio: 8.5:1, power: 71 hp @ 5,600 rpm., torque: 76 ft.-lb. @ 3,400 rpm. . Top speed: 93 mph, acceleration 0 to 62 mph: 17 s. Fuel economy: 31.8 mpg at 56 mph, 22.6 mpg at 75 mph and 22.2 mpg in a city.
VAZ-21063: Zhighuli (Lada) Striking representative of cars – “Lada” (domestic name – “Zhighuli”) VAZ- 21063 (1976-2000). It originates from FIAT-124bis (1964-72). 21063 – 5-seat 4-door classic sedan 4×2. Suspension: front – A-arms, coil springs, rear – solid axle, coil springs. There are rear drive, gasoline (carburetor) engine : 4 cylinders in line, ohc, displacement 1,294 cc (3.1″x2.6″), compression ratio: 8.5:1, power: 63.5 hp @ 5,600 rpm., torque: 68 ft.-lb. @ 4,000 rpm. Gears: 4, top speed: 90 mph, acceleration 0 to 62 mph: 19 s. Brakes: front – disks, rear – drums, with hydraulic control. Stopping distance from 50 mph: 125′. Measures: LxWxH: 13’8″x5’4″x4’9″, wheel base: 7’11.4″. Track front/rear: 4’5.7″/4’4″. Maneuverability: turning circle 37′; groung clearance: 6.2″. Curb weight: 2,304 lbs. Tyres: 175/70R13S, pressure: 24/28 p.s.i. Fuel tank: 10.3 gal. Fuel economy: 22.6 mpg (highway, city cycle). Coefficient of drag (Cx)=0.45. Since 1998 is being produced by Roslada company.
VAZ-21061: Engine: VAZ-2103 type: gasoline (carburetor), 4 cylinders in line, ohc, displacement 1,451 cc (bore/stroke = 2.99/3.15″), compression ratio: 8.5:1, power: 71 hp @ 5,600 rpm., torque: 76 ft.-lb. @ 3,400 rpm. Gears: 4 or 5, top speed: 93 mph.
VAZ-21065: Engine: VAZ-2103 type: gasoline (carburetor), 4 cylinders in line, ohc, displacement 1,451 cc (bore/stroke = 2.99/3.15″), compression ratio: 8.5:1, power: 71 hp @ 5,600 rpm., torque: 76 ft.-lb. @ 3,400 rpm. Gears: 4 or 5, top speed: 93 mph.
VAZ-2107: “Lada” (s. 1981) (domestic name – “Zhighuli”) is a luxury variant of VAZ-2105 sedan. Visible differencies: front grill, hood, bumpers, tail lights, front seats. It is 5-seat 4-doors classic rear wheel drive sedan 4×2. Suspension: front – A-arms, coil springs, rear – solid axle, coil springs. Engine: VAZ-2103 type engine: gasoline (carburetor), 4 cylinders in line, ohc, displacement: 1,452 cc (2.99″x3.15″), compression ratio: 8.5:1, power: 71 hp @ 5,600 rpm., torque: 76 ft.-lb. @ 3,400 rpm. Gears: 5, top speed 93 mph, acceleration 0 to 62 mph – 17 s. Brakes: front – disks, rear – drums, with hydraulic control. Measures: LxWxH: 13’7.2″x5’3.8″x4’8.8″, wheel base: 7’11.4″. Track front/rear: 4’5.7″/4’4″. Trunk space: 12.9 cu.-ft. Curb weight: 2,070 lbs. Max. towing ratio: 1,206 lbs. Tyres: 175/70R13S. Fuel tank: 10.3 gal.
VAZ-21072: is powered by VAZ-2105 type engine: gasoline (carburetor) 4 cylinders in line, ohc, displacement: 1,294 cc (3.1″x2.6″), compression ratio: 8.5:1, power: 64 hp @ 5,600 rpm., torque: 68 ft.-lb. @ 3,400 rpm. Top speed: 90 mph, acceleration 0 to 62 mph: 18 s.
Export variant VAZ-21073-40: is powered by VAZ-21073 type engine: gasoline (single-point injection) 4 cylinders in line, ohc, displacement: 1,690 cc (3.23″x3.15″), compression ratio: 9.3:1, power: 80 hp @ 5,200 rpm., torque: 83 ft.-lb. @ 3,200 rpm. Top speed: 96 mph, acceleration 0 to 62 mph: 17 s.
VAZ-21074: is powered by VAZ-2106 type engine: gasoline (carburetor) 4 cylinders in line, ohc, displacement: 1,569 cc (3.11″x3.15″), compression ratio: 8.5:1, power: 75 hp @ 5,400 rpm., torque: 86 ft.-lb. @ 3,200 rpm. Top speed: 93 mph, acceleration 0 to 62 mph: 16 s.
VAZ-21079: is powered by VAZ-415 type engine: gasoline (carburetor) 2 section Wankel, displacement: 2,616 cc, compression ratio: 9.4:1, power: 140 hp @ 6,000 rpm., torque: 137 ft.-lb. @ 4,000 rpm. Top speed: 112 mph, acceleration 0 to 62 mph: 9 s. Length: 13’6.8″. Curb weight: 2,210 lbs.
Now this is a LADA!http://www.lada-auto.ru/
http://www.ruslada.com/models.html
Kyle & Svet
comments always welcome.
No way Lada was reliable and robust car in 1980s-1990s. It was better than some other Soviet brands, but that's because we didn't know anything better. You are talking about replacing ball joints after 30,000 km of city driving, shocks after 40,000, major (!) engine re-work at 60,000 and the engine was almost done by 100,000 km (65,000 ml). And full of rust through holes by that time. Forget about 800,000 km. I used to have a 20113 model made in 1983. Couple of times I was lucky to squeeze 65 mph – the car felt like it would take off the road, which was fine at that time because no one was driving this fast anyway. So, it did look like a fine car back then, but no comparison with any Western model what so ever. Though I have to admit, when I look at this picture (this is 2103, with 1.5l engine), I do feel nostalgic of my younger days.
Go with large American 8-ciliders sedans if you can still find them used – my 1985 Olds Delta 88 made 250K ml and my current 1994 Grand Marquis (a Crown Vic) is 135K by now – neither car had a single engine or transmission repair, still most of original suspension (that's driving in New York, kids!), no other major problem and very inexpensive in maintenance. Quite, very smooth, roomy, powerful – on my 8 cylinders I can still beat at the traffic light most of smaller and much newer cars, and very comfortable and steady road handling. Too bad we stop making those cars. And whatever I pay for gas, I more than make back in maintenance – whatever people say about American cars, those 8 cylinder cars were tops of reliability and very inexpensive in repair if any.
The only time when either of those cars would be in disadvantage is on the snow (which isn't a problem in NY anyway) – they are too heavy and too powerful and quick for it. Much lighter Lada, with its manual stick shift did better in taking off on the snow, especially uphill if you know how to drive the stick right. Oh well, it was still my first car.
Thanks Anonymous,
My first car was a VW Beetle 1969, It had everything in the world wrong but it was my first car so it was and will be the best car.
The car of my dreams and I wish I still had: 1969 Mercury Cougar – 428 V8 335 bhp, 440 lb-ft. It was lean, mean and fun!
I could imagine having that car in Moscow. That car could talk.
Kyle