USSR vs USSR — 1966 vs 1966
| Niva VAZ-2121 | 2101 Zhiguli (VAZ-2101) | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 72 hp | 62 hp |
| Torque | 90 lb-ft | 64 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,568 cc | 1,198 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 19.0 sec | 18.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 82 mph | 87 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 21.0 sec |
| Weight | 2,535 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,200 mm | 2,424 mm |
| Length | 3,720 mm | 4,073 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,500,000 | 4,850,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 2/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1966 Lada Niva VAZ-2121 brings more power to the table, and the 1966 Lada 2101 Zhiguli (VAZ-2101) answers with quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Lada has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1966 Lada Niva VAZ-2121 with the 1966 Lada 2101 Zhiguli (VAZ-2101) highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1966 Lada Niva VAZ-2121 producing 72 hp and the 1966 Lada 2101 Zhiguli (VAZ-2101) delivering 62 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lada Niva uses a Inline-4 OHC displacing 1,568 cc, while the Lada 2101 relies on a Inline-4 OHC 8V with 1,198 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1966 Lada 2101 Zhiguli (VAZ-2101) edges ahead at 18.0 seconds versus 19.0 seconds. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.