USSR vs Soviet Union — 1964 vs 1950
| Volga GAZ-24 | 12 ZIM Sedan | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 95 hp | 90 hp |
| Torque | 137 lb-ft | 152 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,445 cc | 3,485 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 18.0 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 91 mph | 75 mph |
| Weight | 3,131 lbs | 4,277 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,800 mm | 3,200 mm |
| Length | 4,735 mm | 5,530 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,481,561 | 21,527 |
| Value (Excellent) | $25,000 | $80,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1964 GAZ Volga GAZ-24 brings higher top speed, lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 1950 GAZ 12 ZIM Sedan answers with greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
GAZ has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1964 GAZ Volga GAZ-24 with the 1950 GAZ 12 ZIM Sedan highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1964 GAZ Volga GAZ-24 producing 95 hp and the 1950 GAZ 12 ZIM Sedan delivering 90 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the GAZ Volga uses a Inline-4 OHV ZMZ-24D displacing 2,445 cc, while the GAZ 12 ZIM relies on a Inline-6 SV (Side-Valve) with 3,485 cc. The 1964 GAZ Volga GAZ-24 claims a higher top speed at 91 mph compared to 75 mph. The GAZ Volga carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1146 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 21,527 units built, the 1950 GAZ 12 ZIM Sedan is considerably scarcer than the GAZ Volga's 1,481,561 examples. On the collector market, the 1950 GAZ 12 ZIM Sedan commands a significant premium over the 1964 GAZ Volga GAZ-24, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.