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Thursday, May 15, 2008

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 than 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 4x2. 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 4x2. 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 4x2. 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 4x2. 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.

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8 Comments!:

Ludmila said...

In 1985 when I graduated from the Institute (now it's Electrical Engineering University in St. Petersburg) I was appointed to work at AvtoVAZ, in Togliatti. I couldn't work at the factory due to some reasons. But I had to go there and explain why.
And then I visited this town where Zhiguli were made. I was really impressed by the landscape, the river of Volga and the Zhiguli mountains. I had seen smth similar in northern part of Kazakhstan , but I had not seen such a big river like Volga before.
I was there just for two days but I'll never forget this trip to Togliatti.

My nest wishes,
Ludmila

Kyle & Svet Keeton said...

Hi, Ludmila!

Thank you for a very interesting story! We have never been in Togliatti...

Best wishes,
Svet and Kyle

Seesaw said...

Lada - very popular all ove the USSR plus in former Yugoslavia. And not very cheap, mind you!

Kyle & Svet Keeton said...

Thanks for stopping by Seesaw,

The LADA is still very popular in Russia. The price is cheap now compared to imported cars from Japan.

Problem with Volga and LADA they have fallen behind the times and it is hard to catch up once you get behind.

The LADA is doing better it seems than the Volga though.

Thanks

Svet & Kyle

Naomi said...

Ladas and Skodas have always been very popular cars over here in England Svet & Kyle. Unfortunately they have also been the butt of many jokes over the years too. The cars' owners usually have the last laugh though as these cars are usually very tough and reliable.

Ludmila said...

My father-in-law has had his LADA for about thirty years and all this time he's been taking good care of this car. Frankly saying, it hasn't had any serious problems, especially with the engine. And it's a good car for driving on rough terrain and in severe weather. I think most Russian cars are made to be reliable in these tough conditions.

Regards,
Ludmila

Kyle & Svet Keeton said...

Hi, Naomi!

Thank you for stopping by and an interesting comment!

I never thought that there were some Russian LADA's and VOLGA's in Great Britain and I was so amazed to find a video about classic Volga car in Devon. And they (RussianHour) told that they even have car about Lada in Great Britain and even promised to publish it one day...

An now after your comment we know for sure there are Ladas in Great Britain! Thank you!

Svet and Kyle

Kyle & Svet Keeton said...

I absolutely agree with you, Ludmila. Just want to add that there are spare parts for LADA in any russian automobile-store, they are very cheap and anybody in the shop can repair your LADA.

Thank you for stopping!

Best wishes,
Svet and Kyle