Lada 2103 5 1.2 (64 Hp)


Overall Rating

5.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 1.5 / 5
Comfort 2.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Lada 2103:

The VAZ-2103 Zhiguli is a deluxe compact sedan car , produced by VAZ, introduced in 1972 and produced until 1984. Better known by its export name Lada 1500 outside of its native Soviet Union and popularly nicknamed the Troika in its domestic market. The car was developed jointly by VAZ and FIAT at the same time as Fiat 124 Special, and the two models had the same basis and influenced each other. The 2103 was built under license and tailored to the Soviet and Eastern European markets. The 2103 externally differs from its predecessor, the VAZ-2101. Firstly, by its four, that is, double sets of headlights, different grille and direction pointers, moldings on the sides of the body and larger taillights. Its main difference - the more powerful 75 hp 1,452 cc straight-four petrol engine. In addition, this model is distinguished by the presence of a vacuum brake booster as well as self-adjusting rear brakes and internally on the new Fiat 125 based front panel. The interior was also more upmarket with a different steering wheel, cloth interior trim on export versions and an improved dashboard featuring wood imitation, tachometer, oil pressure gauge and front panel clock....(Read more on Wikipedia)

5 Overview:

Lada 2103 (5). With 89 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10 l/100km). Weighing only 965 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 23 s). The top speed reaches 140 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.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Lada 2103 was produced long before modern safety standards and Euro NCAP testing. It lacks contemporary active and passive safety features, offering minimal occupant protection by today's measures.

1.2 (64 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

Performance Verdict

The 1.2L engine offers very modest performance, suitable for basic urban and rural driving but struggles with highway speeds or rapid acceleration.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption of 9 l/100 km is average for its era and engine size, but considered high by modern standards for such a low-power unit.

Best Use Case: City / Rural Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Simple and robust mechanicals
  • • Easy to repair and maintain
  • • Affordable purchase price (historically)
  • • Good ground clearance for rough roads
  • • Spacious interior for its class

Cons:

  • • Very poor acceleration and top speed
  • • High fuel consumption for its power output
  • • Lack of modern safety features
  • • Basic comfort and refinement
  • • Outdated technology and design

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Lada
Model:2103
Generation:5
Modification (Engine):1.2 (64 Hp)
Start of production:1972
End of production:1983
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:64 Hp @ 5600 rpm.
Power per litre:53.4 Hp/l
Torque:89 Nm @ 3400 rpm.
Engine displacement:1198
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:76 mm mm
Piston Stroke:66 mm mm
Compression ratio:8.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:23 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:23 sec
Maximum speed:140 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:15.1 kg/Hp, 66.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:10.8 kg/Nm, 92.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:21.9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:965
Max. weight:1430
Max load:465
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:400 l
Fuel tank capacity:39 l
Size:
Length:4116 mm mm
Width:1611 mm mm
Height:1440 mm mm
Wheelbase:2424 mm mm
Front track:1365 mm
Rear (Back) track:1321 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDrum
Rear brakesDrum
Steering typeWorm-reduction unit
Tires size175/70 SR13
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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