Moskvich-2140 vs VAZ-2101: rear-drive saloons compared
Updated Report an error By Oleksandr Hnatiuk
Lada · 1970–1982
VAZ-2101
- Power
- 44 kW60 PS
- 0–100 km/h
- —
- Top speed
- —
- Kerb mass
- 955 kg
Moskvich · 1976–1988
Moskvich-2140
- Power
- 55 kW75 PS
- 0–100 km/h
- 19.0 s
- Top speed
- 142 km/h
- Kerb mass
- 1,080 kg
At a glance
Who suits what, worked out from the catalog figures of the versions above.
Categories won: VAZ-2101 1 Moskvich-2140 1
- City VAZ-2101 Length: 4,075 mm vs 4,250 mm
- Off-road Moskvich-2140 Drive and body: Rear-wheel drive · Sedan vs Rear-wheel drive · Sedan
Verdict Opinion
The Moskvich-2140 is the more powerful and the more fully equipped car of the two, and it stayed in production until July 1988. The VAZ-2101 is lighter, thriftier and has the more modern coil-sprung chassis, and it belongs to a family that was built in millions.
For an enthusiast, the 2140 offers 1970s Soviet styling and a strong aluminium engine, while the 2101 offers the classic Fiat-derived Lada experience in its original form.
— Oleksandr Hnatiuk
The Moskvich-2140 and the VAZ-2101 shared showrooms from 1976, when the 2140 replaced the Moskvich-412, until 1982, when the base 2101 ended. Both are four-door, rear-wheel-drive saloons with a four-speed manual gearbox and an overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine, and both were exported to Western Europe.
They were built on different foundations. The 2140 is a thorough update of the 408 and 412 body structure, with new panels everywhere except the roof. The VAZ-2101 is a licence-built and heavily modified Fiat 124 that first left the AvtoVAZ line in April 1970. The comparison is between an evolved 1960s Soviet design and a newer Italian-derived one.
Engineering, design and everyday use
Engineering
The Moskvich-2140 uses the UZAM-412 engine: 1,478 cc, aluminium block, overhead camshaft and 55 kW (75 PS) at 5,800 rpm, with about 112 to 115 Nm. The VAZ-2101 has a 1,198 cc engine with a chain-driven overhead camshaft and 44 kW (60 PS) DIN, or 48 kW (65 PS) in the 1.3-litre 21011. A cheaper 2138 version of the Moskvich, built until 1982, used the older 1,358 cc engine with 37 kW (50 PS) because the newer engine was in short supply.
Under the body, the Moskvich keeps a rear axle on leaf springs and front disc brakes. The VAZ uses coil springs all round, with its rigid rear axle located by four trailing arms and a Panhard rod, and front discs with rear drums.
Design and size
The 2140 is the longer car at 4,250 mm (167.3 in), but narrower at 1,550 mm (61.0 in), on a 2,400 mm (94.5 in) wheelbase. The VAZ-2101 is 4,073 mm long and 1,611 mm wide on a 2,424 mm wheelbase. The Moskvich update brought rectangular headlamps, a black plastic grille, flush door handles, hazard warning lights, a heated rear window and front headrests.
Performance and running
Both are quoted at a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph). The Moskvich reaches 100 km/h in about 19 to 20 seconds, the 1.2-litre VAZ in about 22 seconds. Typical consumption is roughly 9 to 10 L/100 km for the 2140 and about 8.0 L/100 km for the 2101. Ground clearance is generous on both: 173 mm for the Moskvich and 170 mm laden for the VAZ.
Race Stats side by side
Each figure is a 0–100 score from the catalog numbers, the same as on the 1CARS Race cards. PI is the overall performance index (100–999) and its class D–S.
| Stat | VAZ-2101 | Moskvich-2140 |
|---|---|---|
| PI | C · 432 | D · 357 |
| Power | 26 | 14 |
| Grip | 43 | 43 |
| Handling | 79 | 76 |
| Top speed | 25 | 16 |
| Launch | 17 | 2 |
| Reliability | 56 | 63 |
Grip and handling are estimates from drive type, weight, height and body (hover a figure to see where it comes from). 1CARS Race
Who wins a race?
Quarter-mile (402 m) drag from a standing start, dry road, no reaction time — the 1CARS Race physics on the catalog figures of these versions.
- 1 VAZ-21011.2 (1,198 cc) · petrol · 44 kW (60 PS) 18.69 sat 114 km/h
- 2 Moskvich-21401.5 · petrol 20.60 sat 102 km/h · +1.91 s
Size and weight
Side view to scale, all cars from the front bumper.
| VAZ-2101 | Moskvich-2140 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,075 mm160.4 in | 4,250 mm167.3 in +175 mm +6.9 in +4.3% |
| 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% |
| Kerb weight | 955 kg2,105 lb | 1,080 kg2,381 lb +125 kg +276 lb +13.1% |
| 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-2140 | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Version | 1.2 (1,198 cc) · petrol · 44 kW (60 PS) | 1.5 · petrol |
| Production years | 1970–1982 | 1976–1988 |
| 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 | 55 kW (75 PS) 74 hp Better |
| 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 | No data |
| 0–100 km/h Why it matters: A shorter 0–100 km/h time means quicker getaways and safer merging onto fast roads. | No data | 19.0 s |
| 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 | 142 km/h 88 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 | 1,478 cc · 4 cyl 1.5 l |
| Gearbox | 4-speed manual | No data |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Dimensions and weight | ||
| Length | 4,075 mm 160.4 in | 4,250 mm 167.3 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 Better | 1,080 kg 2,381 lb |
| Boot Why it matters: A bigger boot fits more luggage, shopping or a pram. | No data | 520 l 18.4 cu ft |
| Fuel tank Why it matters: A larger tank means more distance between fuel stops. | No data | 46 l 12.2 gal US |
| Economy and running costs | ||
| Fuel consumption Why it matters: Lower consumption cuts running costs and CO₂ emissions on every trip. | No data | 10.2 l/100 km 23.1 mpg US |
| Fuel cost per year | No data | €2,680/year estimated |
| Range on a full tank | No data | 451 km 280 mi estimated |
These cars do not differ in the data we have.
Equal rows hidden (4): Body, Country, Fuel, Drive.
Better marks the stronger figure — only for measurable specs (power, torque, 0–100 km/h, consumption, boot, weight).
Estimated at 15,000 km a year with fuel at €1.75/l petrol.
In plain words
Moskvich-2140 is 175 mm longer than Lada VAZ-2101 (4,250 mm vs 4,075 mm). Lada VAZ-2101 is lighter by 125 kg (955 kg vs 1,080 kg). Lada VAZ-2101 is the older design (from 1970); Moskvich-2140 arrived in 1976. On the catalog figures, the Lada VAZ-2101 is the pick for city; the Moskvich-2140 is the pick for off-road. Our catalog has no 0–100 km/h for the Lada VAZ-2101 yet, so some checks above leave it out.
Which one to choose
Choose the Moskvich-2140 if you want more performance, more equipment and the later 1970s design, ideally with the 1.5-litre engine rather than the 2138 with the old 1.36-litre unit.
Choose the VAZ-2101 if you prefer a lighter car with lower fuel use and coil springs all round, or the original Lada shape that started the whole family.
Frequently asked questions
Were the Moskvich-2140 and VAZ-2101 sold at the same time?
Yes, from 1976 until the base VAZ-2101 ended in 1982. The related VAZ-21013 continued until 1988, the same year the 2140 ended.
Which uses less fuel?
The VAZ-2101, at about 8.0 L/100 km, against roughly 9 to 10 L/100 km for the Moskvich-2140.
What replaced the Moskvich-2140?
The front-wheel-drive Moskvich-2141 hatchback, in production from 1986. The two were built side by side until July 1988.