Click on image to view the full photo gallery
GAZ 31 02 2.5 (100 Hp)
Overall Rating
GAZ 31:
The GAZ Volga is an executive car that originated in the Soviet Union to replace the GAZ Pobeda in 1956. Their role in serving the Soviet nomenklatura made them a contemporary cultural icon. Several generations of the car have been produced.
Despite the continuous modernisations, GAZ found it increasingly difficult to keep the ageing design competitive in a market economy. GAZ CEO Bo Andersson decided to discontinue the Volga range in 2010.
The first generation Volga was developed as a replacement for the 1946 GAZ-M20 Pobeda mid-size car, based on a brief issued in 1951. The first pre-production batch left GAZ on 10 October 1956. It was built in three distinct series; in total 639,478 Volgas were built from 1956 until 1970. There was also an estate derivative and a rare, V8-engined version developed for the KGB's 9th Directorate as an escort vehicle for motorcades....(Read more on Wikipedia)
02 Overview:
GAZ 31 (02). With 182 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1450 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 19 s). The top speed reaches 147 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The GAZ 3102 was not subjected to modern Euro NCAP safety tests. Its design predates many contemporary safety standards, and it is expected to offer basic passive safety features typical of its era, lacking advanced driver-assistance systems.
2.5 (100 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate for city driving and light loads, but struggles with highway speeds and overtaking maneuvers.
Fuel Economy
Likely less efficient than the 16V variants, with higher fuel consumption typical of older, simpler engine designs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Robust and durable construction, built for tough conditions.
- • Spacious interior and large trunk capacity (500-1450 liters).
- • Simple, easy-to-maintain mechanics, ideal for DIY repairs.
- • Good value for money as a utilitarian workhorse.
- • Rear-wheel drive layout offers traditional driving dynamics.
Cons:
- • Outdated design and technology compared to Western counterparts.
- • Generally poor fuel economy across most engine variants.
- • Limited modern safety features and no Euro NCAP rating.
- • Unrefined engines with noticeable noise and vibration.
- • Basic comfort features and leaf spring rear suspension.
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | GAZ |
| Model: | 31 |
| Generation: | 02 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.5 (100 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1982 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 100 Hp @ 4500 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 40.9 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 182 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2445 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 92 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 15 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 19 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 19 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 147 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.5 kg/Hp, 69 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8 kg/Nm, 125.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 18.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1450 |
| Max. weight: | 1850 |
| Max load: | 400 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1450 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4960 mm mm |
| Width: | 1800 mm mm |
| Height: | 1422 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2800 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1500 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1444 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J X 15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
Does the GAZ 31 live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!