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Lada 2101 1 .3 (70 Hp)
Overall Rating
Lada 2101:
The VAZ-2101 "Zhiguli", commonly nicknamed "Kopeyka" , is a compact 4-door sedan or wagon, called small class, passenger car, model 1 in Soviet classification, and produced by the Soviet manufacturer AvtoVAZ, introduced in 1970 as the company's first product.
The car is a licence-built version of the Fiat 124, that was heavily modified and tailored for the rough climate and road conditions across the Soviet Union and much of the Eastern Bloc countries. Subsequently, it was widely, and successfully exported to the West under the Lada brand, for over two decades. The station wagon version was known as the VAZ-2102....(Read more on Wikipedia)
1 Overview:
Lada 2101 (1). With 96 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11 l/100km). Weighing only 955 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 18 s). The top speed reaches 145 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 Lada 2101 was produced long before Euro NCAP testing began (1997). As such, it lacks modern safety features like airbags, ABS, or advanced crumple zones, offering minimal occupant protection by contemporary standards.
.3 (70 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 1.3-liter engine provides adequate power for city driving and light highway use, though acceleration is leisurely and high-speed cruising can be strained. It's a workhorse, not a performer.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is high by modern standards, especially in urban cycles, reflecting its carburetted design and older technology. Expect frequent stops at the pump.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Simple and robust mechanicals
- • Easy and inexpensive to repair
- • Low initial purchase cost
- • Good ground clearance for varied terrain
- • Strong classic and nostalgic appeal
Cons:
- • Very poor passive safety features
- • High fuel consumption by modern standards
- • Basic comfort and noisy cabin
- • Dated performance and handling
- • Prone to rust if not well maintained
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(2101: 1970 - 1983).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Lada |
| Model: | 2101 |
| Generation: | 1 |
| Modification (Engine): | .3 (70 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1974 |
| End of production: | 1983 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 70 Hp @ 5600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 54.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 96 Nm @ 3400 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1294 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 66 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 18 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 18 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 145 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13.6 kg/Hp, 73.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.9 kg/Nm, 100.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 17.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 955 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 325 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 39 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4043 mm mm [30mm less] |
| Width: | 1611 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1440 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2424 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1349 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1305 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 | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Tires size | 165/70 SR13 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Does the Lada 2101 live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!