Lada VAZ-2101 vs Moskvich-408: specs side by side
Quick comparison from catalog data - no editorial review of this pair yet.

Lada · 1970–1982
VAZ-2101
- Power
- 44 kW60 PS
- Top speed
- -
- Kerb mass
- 955 kg

Moskvich · 1964–1975
Moskvich-408
- Power
- 37 kW50 PS
- Top speed
- 130 km/h
- Kerb mass
- -
At a glance
Who suits what, worked out from the catalog figures of the versions above.
Categories won: VAZ-2101 0 Moskvich-408 2
- City Moskvich-408 Width: 1,550 mm vs 1,610 mm
- Off-road Moskvich-408 Drive and body: Rear-wheel drive · Sedan vs Rear-wheel drive · Sedan
In plain words
Lada VAZ-2101 has more power: 44 kW (60 PS) against 37 kW (50 PS) for Moskvich-408. Moskvich-408 is 15 mm longer than Lada VAZ-2101 (4,090 mm vs 4,075 mm). Moskvich-408 is the older design (from 1964); Lada VAZ-2101 arrived in 1970. On the catalog figures, the Moskvich-408 is the pick for city and off-road. Our catalog has no kerb mass for the Moskvich-408 yet, so some checks above leave it out.
Size and weight
Side view to scale, all cars from the front bumper.
| VAZ-2101 | Moskvich-408 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,075 mm160.4 in | 4,090 mm161.0 in +15 mm +0.6 in +0.4% |
| Width | 1,610 mm63.4 in | 1,550 mm61.0 in −60 mm −2.4 in −3.7% |
| Height | 1,382 mm54.4 in | 1,480 mm58.3 in +98 mm +3.9 in +7.1% |
| Wheelbase | 2,424 mm95.4 in | 2,400 mm94.5 in −24 mm −0.9 in −1.0% |
| Fits a standard garage? | Yes | Yes |
Difference vs VAZ-2101 (±). Garage check: a standard single garage takes a car up to about 5.0 m (16 ft 5 in) long and 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) wide (width as listed in the catalog; some makers include the mirrors). Leave about 0.6 m (2 ft) to open the doors.
Full specifications
| Lada VAZ-2101 | Moskvich-408 | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Version | 1.2 (1,198 cc) · petrol · 44 kW (60 PS) | 1.4 · petrol · 37 kW (50 PS) |
| Production years | 1970–1982 | 1964–1975 |
| Body | Sedan | Sedan |
| Country | Soviet Union (USSR) | Soviet Union (USSR) |
| Performance | ||
| Power Why it matters: More power means stronger acceleration and easier overtaking, especially with a full load. | 44 kW (60 PS) 59 hp Better | 37 kW (50 PS) 50 hp |
| Power, all versions | 44 kW (60 PS) 59 hp | 37–40 kW (50–54 PS) 50–54 hp |
| Torque Why it matters: Torque is the pulling force you feel when accelerating from low revs, towing or climbing hills. | 87 Nm 64 lb-ft | 92 Nm 68 lb-ft Better |
| Top speed Why it matters: Top speed hints at how relaxed the car is at motorway speeds, even if you never reach it. | No data | 130 km/h 81 mph |
| Power per tonne | 46 kW/t 56 hp/ton calculated | No data |
| Engine and transmission | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,198 cc · 4 cyl 1.2 l | 1,358 cc · 4 cyl 1.4 l |
| Gearbox | 4-speed manual | 4-speed manual |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Dimensions and weight | ||
| Length | 4,075 mm 160.4 in | 4,090 mm 161.0 in |
| Width | 1,610 mm 63.4 in | 1,550 mm 61.0 in |
| Height | 1,382 mm 54.4 in | 1,480 mm 58.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,424 mm 95.4 in | 2,400 mm 94.5 in |
| Kerb weight Why it matters: A lighter car is usually more agile and uses less energy. | 955 kg 2,105 lb | No data |
| Boot Why it matters: A bigger boot fits more luggage, shopping or a pram. | No data | 372 l 13.1 cu ft |
| Fuel tank Why it matters: A larger tank means more distance between fuel stops. | No data | 46 l 12.2 gal US |
These cars do not differ in the data we have.
Equal rows hidden (5): Body, Country, Fuel, Gearbox, Drive.
Better marks the stronger figure - only for measurable specs (power, torque, 0–100 km/h, consumption, boot, weight).