USSR vs Russia — 1960 vs 1960
| 966 Zaporozhets | 965 Zaporozhets | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 30 hp | 27 hp |
| Torque | 38 lb-ft | 38 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 887 cc | 887 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 44.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 75 mph | 62 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 28.0 sec |
| Weight | 1,653 lbs | 1,466 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,160 mm | 2,023 mm |
| Length | 3,730 mm | 3,330 mm |
| Units Produced | 3,422,444 | 322,166 |
| Value (Excellent) | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1960 ZAZ 966 Zaporozhets brings more power, higher top speed to the table, and the 1960 ZAZ 965 Zaporozhets answers with lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
ZAZ has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1960 ZAZ 966 Zaporozhets with the 1960 ZAZ 965 Zaporozhets highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1960 ZAZ 966 Zaporozhets producing 30 hp and the 1960 ZAZ 965 Zaporozhets delivering 27 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the ZAZ 966 uses a V4 Air-Cooled OHV displacing 887 cc, while the ZAZ 965 relies on a Flat-4 OHV Air-Cooled with 887 cc. The 1960 ZAZ 966 Zaporozhets claims a higher top speed at 75 mph compared to 62 mph. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 322,166 units built, the 1960 ZAZ 965 Zaporozhets is considerably scarcer than the ZAZ 966's 3,422,444 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.