GAZ-24 vs GAZ-3110 Volga: classic and modernised Volga
Updated Report an error By Oleksandr Hnatiuk
GAZ · 1970–1992
GAZ-24
No versions in our catalog yet
- Power
- —
GAZ · 2004–2009
GAZ-31105
- Power
- 101 kW137 PS
Verdict Opinion
The GAZ-3110 is the better car to drive: it is faster, has a more modern injected engine on most versions, a five-speed gearbox and front disc brakes. The GAZ-24 is the more significant car historically. With 1,481,561 built between 1970 and 1992, it was the most numerous passenger model in the history of GAZ, and it is the original shape that every later Volga grew from.
Which one makes sense depends on whether you want a usable modern classic or an authentic 1970s car.
— Oleksandr Hnatiuk
The GAZ-24 and the GAZ-3110 are two ends of one family. The GAZ-24 entered full-scale production in 1970 as the replacement for the GAZ-21, and in its 24-10 form it lasted until 1992. The GAZ-3110, introduced in 1997, followed the GAZ-3102 and GAZ-31029 and is a deep modernisation of the same GAZ-24 underpinnings.
So this is not a comparison of rivals but of generations: the same rear-wheel-drive saloon concept, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase, a front-mounted four-cylinder engine and a live rear axle on leaf springs, separated by almost three decades of development.
Engineering, design and everyday use
Engineering
The GAZ-24 uses the ZMZ-24D, a 2,445 cc overhead-valve four with an aluminium block, rated at 70 kW (95 PS) at 4,500 rpm, driving through a four-speed manual gearbox. The GAZ-24-10 of 1985 moved to the ZMZ-402 with 72 to 74 kW (98 to 100 PS).
The GAZ-3110 brought the 2.3-litre ZMZ-406: a 16-valve twin-cam engine with fuel injection, quoted at 110 kW (150 hp) at first and 96 kW (131 PS) from 1999. A 2.4-litre carburettor engine and a 2.1-litre diesel were also listed. A five-speed manual became standard, a four-speed automatic was offered, and front disc brakes replaced the all-drum set-up of the GAZ-24.
Design and size
The GAZ-24 is 4,735 mm (186.4 in) long and 1,800 mm (70.9 in) wide, with a kerb weight of 1,420 kg (3,131 lb). The GAZ-3110 keeps the width but grows to 4,870 mm (191.7 in), sits lower at 1,422 mm (56.0 in) and weighs about 1,400 kg (3,086 lb) as a saloon. Its 2001 update brought body-colour bumpers with integrated fog lamps, and a 2003 transitional series added ball-joint front suspension and an anti-roll bar.
Use
The GAZ-24 tops out at 145 km/h (90 mph) and takes about 20 seconds to reach 100 km/h. Published figures for the 2.3-litre GAZ-3110 are 175 km/h (109 mph) and about 13.5 seconds. Both were built as saloons and estates; the GAZ-3110 estate outlived the saloon, which gave way to the GAZ-31105 in 2004.
Full specifications
| GAZ-24 | GAZ Volga | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Version | No data | GAZ-31105 · Chrysler 2.4 (EDZ) · 101 kW (137 PS) |
| Production years | 1970–1992 | 2004–2009 |
| Body | Sedan | Sedan |
| Country | Soviet Union (USSR) | No data |
| Performance | ||
| Power Why it matters: More power means stronger acceleration and easier overtaking, especially with a full load. | No data | 101 kW (137 PS) 135 hp |
| Power, all versions | No data | 51–125 kW (69–170 PS) 68–168 hp |
| Engine and transmission | ||
| Fuel | No data | Petrol |
| Engine | No data | 2,360 cc 2.4 l |
| Drive | No data | Rear-wheel drive |
| Dimensions and weight | ||
| Length | No data | 5,221 mm 205.6 in |
| Wheelbase | No data | 3,100 mm 122.0 in |
These cars do not differ in the data we have.
Equal rows hidden (1): Body.
In plain words
GAZ-24 is the older design (from 1970); GAZ Volga arrived in 1997.
Which one to choose
Choose the GAZ-24 if you want the original Volga of the 1970s and 1980s, with its period design, simple overhead-valve engine and long production history. Second-series cars from 1977 added seat belts and the rubber-faced bumper guards.
Choose the GAZ-3110 if you want the same roomy rear-drive layout with more performance and better brakes. The injected ZMZ-406 versions are the strongest; the 2.4-litre carburettor version is quoted at only 140 km/h (87 mph).
Frequently asked questions
Is the GAZ-3110 based on the GAZ-24?
Yes. It is a deep modernisation of the GAZ-24 underpinnings via the GAZ-3102 and GAZ-31029, keeping the rear-wheel-drive layout and a 2,800 mm wheelbase.
Which is more powerful?
The GAZ-3110 with the 2.3-litre ZMZ-406: 110 kW (150 hp) early on and 96 kW (131 PS) from 1999, against 70 kW (95 PS) for the GAZ-24 with the ZMZ-24D.
When were they built?
The GAZ-24 from 1970, with the 24-10 version to 1992. The GAZ-3110 from 1997, with the saloon replaced by the GAZ-31105 in 2004 and the estate continuing longer.