ZIL 4104 7 .7 V8 (315 Hp)
Overall Rating
ZIL 4104:
The ZIL-4104 was a limousine built by ZiL from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, when it served as the transport of the elite of the Soviet Union. It is estimated that no more than fifty cars were produced each year.
Originally designated ZIL-115, the ZIL-4104 was an update of the ZIL-114 with which it shared the same chassis and over half its mechanical components. Despite sharing the same chassis, the ZIL-4104 was as much as 314 kg heavier than the 114.
Mechanically, the ZIL-4104 also improved on the 114. The V8 pushrod engine of the 114 had its stroke increased from 95 to 105 mm. With a 108 mm bore, this meant the capacity increased from 6,959 to 7,695 cc , which was throughout the model's lifespan one of the world's biggest passenger-car engines engine, enlarged to 8,200 cc ). This engine developed 235 kW SAE Gross at 4,400 rpm and a substantial 608 N⋅m at 2500 rpm....(Read more on Wikipedia)
7 Overview:
ZIL 4104 (7). With 610 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 3335 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13 s). The top speed reaches 190 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
The ZIL 41047 was produced before modern Euro NCAP testing standards were established and was never subjected to such evaluations. Its safety features would be rudimentary by contemporary standards, focusing more on structural integrity and size rather than advanced passive or active safety systems.
.7 V8 (315 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 7.7-liter V8 delivers substantial power and immense torque, ensuring smooth, effortless acceleration befitting a luxury limousine. While not built for speed, it provides ample grunt for its considerable mass.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is exceptionally poor, a characteristic common for large, carbureted V8 engines of its era, especially given the vehicle's weight and size.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional passenger comfort and ride quality
- • Powerful and torquey V8 engine for its class
- • Significant historical and cultural importance
- • Imposing road presence and unique styling
- • Spacious and luxurious interior (by Soviet standards)
Cons:
- • Extremely high fuel consumption
- • Massive dimensions make city driving challenging
- • Limited availability of parts and specialized maintenance
- • Outdated safety features compared to modern vehicles
- • High kerb weight impacts agility and braking
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(4104: 1978 - 1985).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | ZIL |
| Model: | 4104 |
| Generation: | 7 |
| Modification (Engine): | .7 V8 (315 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1985 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 315 Hp @ 4500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 41 Hp/l [580mm more] |
| Torque: | 610 Nm @ 2600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | ZI L-4104 More details about the engine ZI L-4104 |
| Engine displacement: | 7680 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 12 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 108 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 105 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 30.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 25.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 13 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 190 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.6 kg/Hp, 94.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.5 kg/Nm, 182.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 3335 |
| Max. weight: | 3860 |
| Max load: | 525 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 100 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 6330 mm mm [580mm more] |
| Width: | 2086 mm mm [1mm more] |
| Height: | 1500 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3880 mm mm [580mm more] |
| Front track: | 1643 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1663 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 245/70 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |





Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the ZIL 4104 rank in your book?